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Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Solve one-step fraction word problems (Objective 68)
- Solve multi-step fraction word problems (Objectives 69-70)
- Identify which operation to use (add, subtract, multiply, divide)
- Check if answers are reasonable using estimation
SEA Tip
Fraction word problems appear in Section II and III of the SEA Math paper. These are worth 2-4 marks each! (SEA Framework Page 21-22)
5-Step Problem-Solving Method
- Read the problem carefully (twice if needed)
- Identify what you need to find
- Choose the operation (add, subtract, multiply, or divide)
- Solve the problem step-by-step
- Check your answer – does it make sense?
Watch: One-Step Fraction Word Problems
Start by watching this video to learn how to solve one-step fraction word problems. Take notes as you watch! 📝
Quick Check
Did you understand the video? Review the notes below before continuing! ✅
One-Step Fraction Word Problems
One-step problems require only ONE operation to solve. Look for key words that tell you which operation to use!
🔑 Key Words for Each Operation:
| Operation | Key Words |
|---|---|
| Addition (+) | total, altogether, combined, in all, sum |
| Subtraction (−) | left, remaining, difference, how much more |
| Multiplication (×) | of, times, product, each, groups of |
| Division (÷) | share equally, divide, each, per, split |
📊 Example 1: One-Step Addition
Question: Maria ate 1/4 of a pizza. John ate 1/3 of the same pizza. How much did they eat altogether?
Solution:
- Identify: “altogether” means ADD
- Set up: 1/4 + 1/3
- Find LCD: LCD = 12
- Convert: 3/12 + 4/12 = 7/12
Answer: 7/12 of the pizza
📊 Example 2: One-Step Multiplication
Question: A recipe needs 3/4 cup of sugar. How much sugar is needed for 2 batches?
Solution:
- Identify: “for 2 batches” means MULTIPLY
- Set up: 3/4 × 2
- Convert: 3/4 × 2/1 = 6/4
- Simplify: 6/4 = 1½ cups
Answer: 1½ cups of sugar
Watch: Multi-Step Fraction Word Problems
Now watch this video to learn how to solve multi-step fraction word problems. Pay attention to the order of steps! 🎯
Multi-Step Fraction Word Problems
Multi-step problems require TWO OR MORE operations. Break them down step-by-step!
📋 Strategy for Multi-Step Problems:
- Read the entire problem first
- Underline important numbers and information
- Identify what you need to find
- Plan the steps (which operations in which order)
- Solve one step at a time
- Check if your answer makes sense
📊 Example 3: Multi-Step Problem (2 Steps)
Question: Sarah had 12 cookies. She gave 1/3 of them to her friend, then ate 2 cookies. How many cookies does she have left?
Solution:
- Step 1: Find how many she gave away: 1/3 × 12 = 4 cookies
- Step 2: Subtract what she gave and ate: 12 − 4 − 2 = 6
Answer: 6 cookies left
📊 Example 4: Multi-Step Problem (3 Steps)
Question: A tank holds 80 litres of water. It is 3/4 full. If 1/2 of the water is used, how much water remains?
Solution:
- Step 1: Find how much water is in the tank: 3/4 × 80 = 60 litres
- Step 2: Find how much is used: 1/2 × 60 = 30 litres
- Step 3: Find what remains: 60 − 30 = 30 litres
Answer: 30 litres remain
Common Mistake
Don’t rush! Write down each step. Multi-step problems need careful work. Always check if your answer makes sense!
Quick Quiz
Test your understanding! Select an answer for each question. 📝
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Lesson Complete!
Great job finishing Lesson 1.12! You’re mastering fraction word problems for the SEA exam! 🎉
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