How to Solve Word Problems With Addition and Subtraction of Fractions

Math is awesome because it can help us solve real world problems.

Let's solve some real world problems together.

Grandma Coco has two jars of jam. The first jar is 2/8 full. The second jar is 5/8 full. How much jam does Grandma Coco have in total?

$jars of jam$

The problem is asking us to find the total jam that Grandma Coco has.

$addition models$

So we need to add the two fractions.

$2/8 + 5/8 = 7/8$

Since the denominators are the same, we can just add the numerators.

Grandma Coco has 7/8 jar of jam.

Tip: remember to give your answer as a complete sentence.

Great job solving this word problem!

Let's solve another one.

Robert has 5/6 bag of soil for gardening. He gave 3/6 bag to his neighbor Bill. How much soil does Robert have now?

$soil$

It helps to draw a picture of the facts and the question.

$subtraction$

The question is asking us to subtract the fractions. 👍

So, we write the equation.

$5/6 - 3/6 = 2/6$

The difference is 2/6.

Robert now has 2/6 of a bag of soil. ✅

Tip: 2/6 can be simplified further by dividing the fraction by 2/2.

$2/6 ÷ 2/2 = 1/3$

2/6 is the same as 1/3.

Excellent work. You just learned how to solve word problems that involve addition and subtraction of fractions.

Now, start the practice. It'll help you remember for longer, and get higher grades too.

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