HOW TO SOLVE FRACTION WORD PROBLEMS:

There are different ways to solve fraction word problems. Here are two:

1. Read the problem, and rewrite it with math symbols. Then find the missing quantity.
2. Read the problem and draw pictures to find the solution.

FRACTION WORD PROBLEMS EXAMPLES:

1.) Addition: If the sum of two fractions is 1 and the first fraction is 1/2, what is the second fraction?

• • • Let’s rewrite this problem with math symbols.
    • 1/2 + ? = 1
    • The question mark should match up with the missing quantity from the question – “What is the second fraction?”
    • 1/2 + 1/2 = 1, so the second fraction is also 1/2.

2.) Subtraction: Donald bought 3/4 of a pound of jelly beans. He ate 2/4 of a pound. How much was left?

• • • Let’s solve this problem using pictures.
    • Donald bought 3/4 of a pound of jelly beans –
    • He ate 2/4 of a pound, so let’s take away 2 quarters.
      • Donald’s original 3/4 of a pound: 
      • Minus 1/4:
      • Minus 2/4:
    • Donald has 1/4 of a pound left.

3.) Multiplication: To start getting in shape for the football team, Marin ran 3/8 miles every day. How many miles did she run in 20 days?

• • • Let’s rewrite this problem with math symbols.
    • We can either write 3/8 + 3/8 + …. + 3/8 (20 times) or turn it into a multiplication sentence:
      • 3/8 • 20 = ?
    • The question mark should match up with the missing quantity from the question.
      • We’re being asked how many total miles she ran over the course of 20 days. Our equation makes sense. Let’s solve it.
    • 3/8 • 20 = (3 • 20)/8 = 60/8 = 15/2 = 7.5 miles

4.) Division: Michelle bought cheese that weighs 2 1/2 pounds. If she divides the cheese into 1/2 pound portions, how many portions will she have?

• • • Let’s solve this problem using a picture.
    • Michelle bought 2 1/2 pounds of cheese –
    • She divides the cheese into 1/2 pound portions –   
    • How many portions does she have?
      • 5