Fraction Word Problem Quiz/Game
Solving fraction word problems requires two main skills: identifying which operation to use and performing fraction arithmetic (finding common denominators). Scroll down the page for a more detailed explanation.
 
This game presents different scenarios to practice adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. It will give a random mix of adding and subtracting fractions.
 

Fraction Word Problems

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Read carefully and pick the correct fraction.

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How to Play the Fraction Word Problem Game

1. Look at the Problem: Read the problem carefully. Solve it and select one of the answers.
   
2. Check Your Work: If you selected the right answer, it will be highlighted in green. If you are wrong, it will be highlighted in red and the correct answer will be highlighted in green.
   
3. Get a New Problem: Click “Next Problem” for a new problem.
   Your score is tracked, showing how many you’ve gotten right.
   
4. Finish Game When you have completed 10 questions, your final score will be displayed.
    
   

Clue Words for Fractions
Identifying the operation is the same as with whole numbers, but the context often involves parts of a whole (like pizza, time, or distance).
Operation: Addition (+)
Context: Combining parts to find a total.
Clue Words: “In total,” “Combined,” “Altogether,” “Total distance,” “Increase."
Operation: Subtraction (-)
Context: Finding how much is left or comparing two parts.
Clue Words: “How much more,” “Remaining,” “Difference,” “Left over,” “Decrease."

Common Denominators
You cannot add or subtract fractions unless the denominators (bottom numbers) are the same.
The Process:
Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the denominators.
Multiply the top and bottom of each fraction to reach that common denominator.
Add or subtract only the numerators (top numbers).
Keep the denominator the same.
Simplify (reduce) the result if possible.

Step-by-Step Problem Solving
Example 1: Addition (Combining Parts)
Problem: Jamie spent \(\frac{1}{4}\) of an hour practicing piano and \(\frac{1}{3}\) of an hour doing math homework. How much total time did Jamie spend on these activities?
Step 1: Identify Operation. The word “total” tells us to add: \(\frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{3}\).
Step 2: Find Common Denominator. The LCM of 4 and 3 is 12.
Step 3: Convert.
\(\frac{1 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{3}{12}\)
\(\frac{1 \times 4}{3 \times 4} = \frac{4}{12}\)
Step 4: Add Numerators. \(\frac{3}{12} + \frac{4}{12} = \frac{7}{12}\).
Answer: Jamie spent \(\frac{7}{12}\) of an hour.

Example 2: Subtraction (Comparing/Remaining)
Problem: A water bottle was \(\frac{7}{8}\) full. After a workout, it was \(\frac{1}{4}\) full. How much water was consumed?
Step 1: Identify Operation. We are finding the difference between the start and end: \(\frac{7}{8} - \frac{1}{4}\).
Step 2: Find Common Denominator. The LCM of 8 and 4 is 8.
Step 3: Convert.
\(\frac{7}{8}\) stays the same.
\(\frac{1 \times 2}{4 \times 2} = \frac{2}{8}\)
Step 4: Subtract Numerators. \(\frac{7}{8} - \frac{2}{8} = \frac{5}{8}\).
Answer: \(\frac{5}{8}\) of the water was consumed.
 

This video gives a clear, step-by-step approach to explain how to solve addition and subtraction fraction word problems with different denominators.

• Show Video

 

Try out our new and fun Fraction Concoction Game.

Add and subtract fractions to make exciting fraction concoctions following a recipe. There are four levels of difficulty: Easy, medium, hard and insane. Practice the basics of fraction addition and subtraction or challenge yourself with the insane level.

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