When in Decimal mode, you can enter and do calculations with fractions using the fraction key “a b/c” (keyboard “f” or <space>). For example, to calculate 1/2 + 1/3, enter this (decimal mode only):
1 <space> 2 <Enter> 1 <space> 3 +
The display will show “5/6”. To convert this do decimal, use the Rnd (round) button (keyboard “$” or “R”).
Fractions are by default displayed as an integer part and a fraction:
1 <space> 2 <space> 3 <Enter>
The display shows “1 2/3”. To display a “clean” fraction without the integer part, press “shift-F” (a toggle key), or use the configuration screen.
Conversion between fractions and other numbers is automatic; XCALC will try to keep the fractions as long as possible. It will not, however, convert a decimal number (like 0.5) to a fraction, so for example adding 1/2 and 0.25 will result in 0.75, not 3/4. Also, when doing operations that involve integers only, they are not “promoted” to fractions, so for example 1 divided by 2 results in 0.5, not 1/2.
Note: only few of the functions deliver fractions as output. Those that do not, will use the decimal value. The functions supporting fractions are:
See also: