Your TI-30X II will handle most fraction operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In most cases, if you provide a number as a fraction, the calculator will perform calculations and return the result as a fraction.

So how do you enter a fraction into the TI-30X II? First, find the button that has A^b/_c on it. We'll refer to this as the FRACTION button.

Entering a fraction
Let's say you want to enter the fraction 2/3. You could get the decimal value of the fraction by entering 2 ÷ 3, but if you do this, it's no longer a fraction. Instead, press 2, followed by FRACTION, followed by 3. Now press ENTER to see the result. You should see the following:

2 / 3

Entering a mixed numeral
If you want to enter 3¹/₂ (three and a half), you do the same as before, except you use the fraction button one extra time. Enter 3 FRACTION 1 FRACTION 2 and then press ENTER. You should see the following:

3 u 1 / 2.

Converting Mixed/Improper
If you have a mixed number, you may want to convert it to an improper fraction (after all, in Algebra we generally discourage the use of mixed numerals). This conversion is easy to do. Notice the text above the FRACTION button - this text indicates that the 2nd function of the FRACTION button converts between the two types. So if you still have 3 u 1 / 2 displayed on your calculator, Press 2nd and then FRACTION, and you should now see 7 / 2 which is equivalent to 3¹/₂.

And guess what! Pressing 2nd and FRACTION a second time will convert it back!

Now you can do fraction arithmetic using your calculator, and it takes care of the ugly details for you.

Sample #1
What is ¹/₂ + ²/₃?

Solution #1
Use the fraction button to enter the first fraction, then press PLUS, then use the fraction button to enter the second fraction. Press ENTER. The result is 1¹/₆.

Sample #2
Use your calculator to write 1¹/₆ as an improper fraction.

Solution #2
With the mixed number still in your calculator from the previous problem, press 2nd, FRACTION, and ENTER to find that it is ⁷/₆.