Word problems practice

Subtracting fractions word problems

Compare fractional measurements and find what remains. Choose common, different or mixed denominators and irrelevant-information options for ten questions.

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Read the story, identify the requested quantity and show your reasoning. Include the correct unit in your answer.

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Ask learners to identify what is known and what the question asks. A drawing, timeline or equation can make the relationship visible before they calculate. Check the answer against the original story and keep its unit.

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Learning objective

What this activity builds

Find a positive difference between fractional amounts with a common unit.

Worked example

A route is 5/6 kilometre long. Sam has walked 1/4 kilometre. How far remains?

5/6 − 1/4 = 10/12 − 3/12 = 7/12 kilometre.

The walked distance is part of the entire route. Subtract it from the full distance.

Teaching notes

Make the practice count

  • Check which measurement is the total and which is a part.
  • Estimate whether the remaining amount should be small or large.
  • Keep the unit on the final answer.

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Math SheetNameScore/ 10TeacherDateSubtracting Fractions Word ProblemsRead each story carefully. Use the relevant facts to find the requested quantity.1. One pitcher contains 9/12 liters and another contains 2/13 liters. What is the positive difference?2. Two trail sections measure 8/10 meters and 6/10 meters. What is the positive difference?3. Two packages weigh 5/8 kilograms and 2/9 kilograms. What is the positive difference?4. Two work periods last 4/5 hours and 1/5 hours. What is the positive difference?5. One pitcher contains 5/7 liters and another contains 2/6 liters. What is the positive difference?6. Two trail sections measure 11/12 meters and 10/12 meters. What is the positive difference?7. Two packages weigh 4/5 kilograms and 2/4 kilograms. What is the positive difference?math-sheet.comPage 1 / 2
Math SheetNameScore/ 10TeacherDateSubtracting Fractions Word ProblemsRead each story carefully. Use the relevant facts to find the requested quantity.8. Two work periods last 3/5 hours and 1/5 hours. What is the positive difference?9. One pitcher contains 5/11 liters and another contains 1/12 liters. What is the positive difference?10. Two trail sections measure 2/5 meters and 2/5 meters. What is the positive difference?math-sheet.comPage 2 / 2

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