Fraction Word Problems

What are Fraction Word Problems?

• A fraction word problem is a story about sharing or dividing something into equal parts.
• You find:
  • how many total equal parts there are
  • how many parts are used

How to Solve Fraction Word Problems

1. Check for Equal Parts Make sure the parts are the same size.

2. Count the Whole Total equal parts go on the bottom of the fraction.

3. Count the Part Used parts go on the top of the fraction.

Practice Story 1: The Apple Plate

Emma cuts an apple into 6 equal pieces. She eats 2 pieces. What fraction of the apple did Emma eat?

• Total pieces: 6
• Pieces eaten: 2
• The Fraction: 2/6

Practice Story 2: The Cookie Box

There are 8 equal cookies in a box. Tom takes 3 cookies. What fraction of the cookies did Tom take?

• Total cookies: 8
• Cookies taken: 3
• The Fraction: 3/8

Practice Story 3: Coloring Shapes

A worksheet has 5 equal stars. Maya colors 4 stars yellow. What fraction of the stars are yellow?

• Total stars: 5
• Stars colored: 4
• The Fraction: 4/5

Key Words to Look For

• Equal / Same / Fair
• Half → 1/2
• Thirds → 1/3
• Fourths / Quarters → 1/4

Lesson Summary

• Bottom number = total equal parts
• Top number = parts used
• Parts must be equal