Addition & Subtraction Fraction Word Problems

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole and is written as 'a/b', where 'a' is the numerator (the number of parts) and 'b' is the denominator (the total number of equal parts).

Front

What does it mean to add fractions?

Back

Adding fractions involves combining the parts represented by the fractions. If the denominators are the same, add the numerators. If they are different, find a common denominator first.

Front

What does it mean to subtract fractions?

Back

Subtracting fractions involves taking away parts represented by the second fraction from the first. If the denominators are the same, subtract the numerators. If they are different, find a common denominator first.

Front

How do you find a common denominator?

Back

To find a common denominator, identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators of the fractions you are working with.

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a fraction, such as 2 1/4.

Front

How do you convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?

Back

Multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and place the result over the original denominator.

Front

What is the first step in solving a word problem involving fractions?

Back

Read the problem carefully to understand what is being asked and identify the fractions involved.

Front

How do you solve the problem: Nancy had 5/7 meters of yarn. She used 1/7 meters and 2/7 meters. How much yarn does she have left?

Back

5/7 - (1/7 + 2/7) = 5/7 - 3/7 = 2/7.

Front

How do you solve the problem: Henry needs 3 ¾ cups of sugar and has 1 ¼ cups. How much more does he need?

Back

3 ¾ - 1 ¼ = 2 ½ cups.

Front

How do you solve the problem: Jess picked 2/5 pounds of blueberries and needs 2 pounds. How many more does she need?

Back

2 - (2/5 + 4/5) = 2 - 6/5 = 4/5.