4th Grade Fraction Problems and Solutions

How to Help Your Child Practice 4th Grade Fraction Problems

In 4th grade fraction units, children typically practice modeling and adding fractions. Students also learn about equivalent fractions, such as 1/2 and 2/4, and begin to compare fractions with uncommon denominators (the denominator is the bottom number in a fraction). For example, they'll come to understand why 5/6 is greater than 1/3. Another new concept in 4th grade is multiplying whole numbers by fractions.

If your 4th grader needs extra practice, you can ask your child's teacher for extra worksheets or make your own. When creating problems, use the samples below and your child's textbook as a reference to make sure you're writing problems that are appropriate for this level. For instance, addition and subtraction problems should feature fractions with common denominators.

Although regular use of worksheets can be beneficial because it offers repeated exposure to the concept of fractions, you also can integrate practice into real-life situations. For example, at the store, you might purchase five pieces of candy that are 75 cents each. Then, ask your child to use fractions to figure out how much you spent. Because 75 cents is 3/4 of a dollar, he or she should come up with the problem 5 x 3/4. The answer is 15/4, or 3 3/4. So, you spent $3.75 on candy. Real-world connections such as this can make math content more meaningful to your child.

Practice Problems and Solutions by Topic

Comparisons

For the following problems, have your child identify if the first fraction is greater than, equal to or less than the second fraction using the symbols >, = or <. Your child may need to use visuals, such as drawings, to answer these problems.

1. 2/3 and 4/5

2. 6/8 and 2/2

3. 5/10 and 1/4

4. 3/4 and 9/12

Answers: 2/3 < 4/5, 6/8 < 2/2, 5/10 > 1/4, 3/4 = 9/12

Addition and Subtraction

1. 2/8 + 5/8

2. 14/20 + 3/20

3. 33/100 - 10/100

Answers: 7/8, 17/20, 23/100

Multiplication

When multiplying a fraction by a whole number, your child should multiply the whole number and the numerator (the top number of the fraction), while the denominator remains the same. For instance, 6 x 1/4 = (6 x 1)/4 = 6/4. Another way to think about this is the fraction 6/4 is the fraction 1/4 repeated six times. Use simple, single-digit numbers for these problems.

1. 3 x 4/5

2. 7 x 2/3

3. 1 x 8/10

Answers: 12/5, 14/3, 8/10