Fraction Word Problems MJ Math 1 EETT Lesson

Fraction Word Problems M/J Math 1 EETT Lesson #6

When reading word problems containing fractions, certain phrases can indicate the operation that you need to do in order to solve the word problem.

Addition + “How much together? ” “How far will she travel from home to the park, then to the library? ” Subtraction − “How much more is needed? ” “How much further than? ” “How much is left? ” “How bigger than? ”

Multiplication × “Times longer. . . ” “The product of…” “A fraction of something…” Division ÷ “Find the quotient…” “Divided into to pieces…” “How many will fit? ” “How many can be split from? ”

In the recent Student Government 1 elections, Larry received of the 3 votes for treasurer and Leah 1 received 15 of the votes. What fraction of the votes did both candidates earn together?

Solution: 1 × 5 1 = + 3 × 5 15 5 1 5+1 = + = 15 15 15 6 2 = 15 5 Together they 2 received of the 5 votes.

One tree is 6 feet tall. Another 1 one is only 3 4 feet tall. How much taller is the larger of two trees.

Solution: 6= 5 − 3 2 4 4 1 4 3 4 The larger tree is 2 feet taller than the smaller one. 1 4

1 3 Sean swam 2 miles at swim 1 team practice. If Becky swam 1 2 times as far as Sean, then how many miles did Becky swim?

Solution: 1 1 2 3 × 1 2 = 3 1 3 7 21 =3 =3 × = 6 2 2 3 6 Becky swam 3 miles at swim team practice. 1 2

Charlie works at a livery and uses a 60 pound bag of oats to feed 4 the horses. If each horse gets 5 pounds of food, then how many horses can Charlie feed with one bag of oats?

Solution: 4 60 ÷ 5 = 1 ÷ 5 = 60 5 300 = 75 × = 4 1 4 One bag of oats can feed 75 horses.