Solving problems with fractions (age 7+)
Solve problems involving counting in tenths, fractions of quantities, equivalence, fraction addition/subtraction, and fraction comparison
What a learner can do afterwards
- Solve a word problem requiring finding a fraction of a quantity
- Solve a problem that requires comparing or ordering fractions
- Choose and apply appropriate fraction knowledge to a multi-step problem
1 · Read
You already know how to find a fraction of a number, add fractions, and tell which fraction is bigger. Real problems often mix these skills together, so you need to pick the right tool for each step.
Priya ate 3/10 of a cake. Tom ate 2/5 of the same size cake. To compare, change 2/5 into tenths: 2/5 is the same as 4/10. Since 4/10 is more than 3/10, Tom ate more cake.
When two fractions have different bottom numbers, change them so the bottom numbers match. Then it is easy to compare or add them.
Break a fraction problem into steps: work out the fraction of the amount first, match up the bottom numbers if you need to, then compare or combine.
2 · Watch
Take it off screen
Where it sits
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.