--- title: "Word problems adding and subtracting fractions" description: "Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators, using visual models and equations" canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/word-problems-adding-and-subtracting-fractions-mt_ZLqYE7la4Z source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/word-problems-adding-and-subtracting-fractions-mt_ZLqYE7la4Z.md retrieved: 2026-09-02 --- > **Agent view.** This is the Markdown twin of the page, for tools and assistants. > When to use this site, and the call that answers each job: https://lightmysky.com/agent-instructions.md > API description (OpenAPI 3.1): https://lightmysky.com/openapi.json · Authentication: https://lightmysky.com/auth.md > Pricing: https://lightmysky.com/pricing.md · Catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms.txt · Full catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms-full.txt > Every machine-readable file on this domain: https://lightmysky.com/.well-known/ai-catalog.json > Ask for Markdown with `Accept: text/markdown`, a `.md` address, or `?mode=agent`. # Word problems adding and subtracting fractions Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators, using visual models and equations Subject: Mathematics · Area: Fractions · Ages 9 to 10 Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/word-problems-adding-and-subtracting-fractions-mt_ZLqYE7la4Z ## Ready when they can - A jug contains 3/4 litre of juice; 2/4 litre is poured out — how much remains? - Two pieces of ribbon are 2 3/8 and 1 5/8 inches — what is their total length? - Draw a fraction model to represent and solve a fraction word problem ## Lesson: Solving fraction word problems A word problem tells a story with numbers hidden inside it. Your job is to find the fraction equation the story is describing. Look for clue words. Words like 'left', 'cut off' or 'poured out' usually mean subtract. Words like 'total' or 'altogether' usually mean add. *(drawing: A jug had 3/4 litre of juice. After 2/4 litre was poured out, this model shows what remains: 3/4 - 2/4 = 1/4.)* You can also draw the story. Make a bar with the same number of equal parts as the bottom number, then shade the amount you start with. To take away, cross out that many parts. To add, shade on more. The parts still shaded are the answer. **Example.** Two pieces of ribbon measure 2 3/8 inches and 1 5/8 inches. The word 'total' means add: 2 3/8 + 1 5/8. Add the whole numbers first, 2 + 1 = 3. Then add the fraction parts, 3/8 + 5/8 = 8/8, which is 1 whole. So the ribbons together measure 3 + 1 = 4 inches. **Recap.** Turn the story into a fraction equation using the clue words, then solve it the way you already know how. ## Practice 8 questions on this page, each with its working shown. ## Needs first - [Adding and subtracting mixed numbers](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/adding-and-subtracting-mixed-numbers-mt_70qDTI14td) ## Opens up - [Fraction Word Problems](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/fraction-word-problems-mt_e7filQgayF)