Fractions With a Calculator

  • EDEXCEL GCSE
  • AQA GCSE
  • OCR GCSE
  • EDUQAS GCSE

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Topic summary

Most modern calculators can handle fractions directly, making it easier to perform operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Basic Operations

To input a fraction, use the fraction key (often represented by ab\frac{a}{b}ba​) on the calculator. After entering the fraction, you can perform the desired operation (e.g., addition or multiplication).

\[\frac{3}{5} + \frac{2}{7}\]

Press the fraction button then use the cursor keys to enter \(\dfrac{3}{5}\)​, then press the \(+\) key, and finally enter \(\dfrac{2}{7}\)​. Press the = button to reveal the answer.

The calculator will give you the result as a fraction.

Converting Fractions to Decimals

To convert a fraction to a decimal, press the S-D button (sometimes F-D or similar).

\[\frac{3}{4} = 0.75\]

Mixed numbers

You can enter a mixed number by pressing the shift button (sometimes 2nd function or similar) then the fraction button. You can then convert to a mixed number by pressing the shift button (or similar) then S-D button (or similar).

Make sure to practise using your calculator before the exam so you can be comfortable with it before the big days.

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