Adding and Subtracting Fractions - Word Problems

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It is written as two numbers separated by a slash, like 1/2, where the top number (numerator) shows how many parts we have, and the bottom number (denominator) shows how many equal parts the whole is divided into.

Front

What does it mean to add fractions?

Back

Adding fractions means combining parts of a whole. To add fractions with the same denominator, you add the numerators and keep the denominator the same. For example, 1/4 + 2/4 = 3/4.

Front

What does it mean to subtract fractions?

Back

Subtracting fractions means taking away parts of a whole. To subtract fractions with the same denominator, you subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same. For example, 3/4 - 1/4 = 2/4.

Front

How do you add fractions with different denominators?

Back

To add fractions with different denominators, you first find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then add them. For example, to add 1/4 and 1/2, convert 1/2 to 2/4, then add: 1/4 + 2/4 = 3/4.

Front

How do you subtract fractions with different denominators?

Back

To subtract fractions with different denominators, find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then subtract. For example, to subtract 1/3 from 1/2, convert both to sixths: 1/2 = 3/6 and 1/3 = 2/6, then subtract: 3/6 - 2/6 = 1/6.

Front

What is a word problem in math?

Back

A word problem is a math question that is presented in the form of a story or real-life situation. It requires reading and understanding the context to solve it.

Front

How do you solve a word problem involving fractions?

Back

To solve a word problem involving fractions, read the problem carefully, identify the fractions involved, determine whether to add or subtract, and then perform the calculation.

Front

If Dr. Stancil has 5/8 of a box of chocolate and eats 1/4, how much is left?

Back

3/8 of the box is left.

Front

If Ms. Nealy walks 3/4 of a mile and then 1/8 of a mile, how far did she walk in total?

Back

7/8 of a mile.

Front

If Mrs. Benner wants to feed 4 people 1/5 of a pound of steak each, how much steak does she need?

Back

4/5 pound of steak.