---
title: "Measure word problems with fractions and decimals"
description: "Solve word problems involving distances, time intervals, liquid volumes, masses, and money using the four operations with fractions or decimals; represent with diagrams including number lines"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/measure-word-problems-with-fractions-and-decimals-mt_5HV4mbgSGH
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/measure-word-problems-with-fractions-and-decimals-mt_5HV4mbgSGH.md
retrieved: 2026-09-02
---

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# Measure word problems with fractions and decimals

Solve word problems involving distances, time intervals, liquid volumes, masses, and money using the four operations with fractions or decimals; represent with diagrams including number lines

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Measurement · Ages 9 to 10
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/measure-word-problems-with-fractions-and-decimals-mt_5HV4mbgSGH

## Ready when they can

- A 2.5 kg bag of flour is split equally into 4 portions — what does each weigh?
- A journey takes 1 hr 45 min; what time do you arrive if you leave at 09:20?
- Three ribbons of 0.75 m, 1.2 m, and 0.95 m — what is the total length?

## Lesson: Measure word problems with fractions and decimals

You already know how to compare money and use decimals for tenths and hundredths. Now you'll use those skills on real problems: measuring a journey, timing a trip, weighing ingredients, and adding up lengths. Ask what the story does first. Joining lengths means add. Sharing a total equally means divide. Finding what is left means subtract.

*(drawing: These three ribbons measure 0.75 m, 1.2 m, and 0.95 m. Add them to find the total length.)*

**Example.** Add the three ribbon lengths by lining up the decimal points, so tenths sit under tenths and hundredths under hundredths. Write 1.2 as 1.20 to keep the columns full. Then 0.75 + 1.20 + 0.95 = 2.90, so the ribbons measure 2.9 m altogether. The same lining up works when you take one length away from another.

**Example.** A 2.5 kg bag of flour is split equally into 4 portions. Since it's shared equally, divide: 2.5 ÷ 4 = 0.625 kg. Each portion weighs 0.625 kg.

**Example.** A journey takes 1 hour 45 minutes and starts at 09:20. Add the whole hour first, so 09:20 becomes 10:20. Then add the 45 minutes: 20 + 45 = 65 minutes, which is more than 60, so carry an hour and keep the 5. You arrive at 11:05.

**Tip.** Draw the parts before you calculate. A quick bar, or a jump along a number line, shows whether your answer should be bigger or smaller than what you started with.

**Recap.** Word problems with fractions and decimals still use add, subtract, multiply, or divide - line up the decimals, or the hours and minutes, before you work it out.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Estimating and comparing money](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/estimating-and-comparing-money-mt_mFJ-2ZF6Tk)
- [Decimals for Tenths & Hundredths](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/decimals-for-tenths-and-hundredths-mt_Vi4Vo5xs_g)
- [Converting measurement units (age 9+)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/converting-measurement-units-age-9-mt_Zks8xyInSG)

## Opens up

- [Measurement Conversions](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/measurement-conversions-mt_SqhXQhAEUf)