Fraction Word Problems When reading word problems containing

Fraction Word Problems

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 feet tall. How 4 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.