5th Grade Fraction Problems and Practice Exercises

How to Solve Fraction Equations in 5th Grade

To add or subtract two fractions, both must have the same denominator. This is known as equivalent fractions. If your child is struggling with solving fraction problems with unlike denominators, follow the guidelines below.

In order to solve a problem like 3/4 + 5/6, the two fractions must have the same denominator. First, identify the common factor. For this problem, four and six are both factors of 12, so the denominator for both fractions needs to be 12. Multiply 3/4 by 3/3, so the fraction becomes 9/12. Then, multiply 5/6 by 2/2 which equals 10/12. As a result, the new addition problem should look like this: 9/12 + 10/12 = 19/12.

Practice Exercises

Addition and Subtraction

1. 1/2 - 1/4

If your child is just beginning to study fractions with unlike denominators, you may want to start out your review with easier problems to boost his or her confidence. This problem is simple because only the first fraction needs to be changed to make the fractions equivalent. Multiply 1/2 by 2/2 so that it equals 2/4. Then, solve like normal: 2/4 - 1/4 = 1/4.

2. 5/6 - 2/3

The common factor for both fractions is six. Multiply the second fraction (2/3) by 2/2, so that it becomes 4/6. Then, subtract: 5/6 - 4/6 = 1/6.

3. 6/7 + 1/8

This problem is more difficult because the only common denominator for both fractions is 56. Begin by multiplying: 6/7 x 8/8 = 48/56. Do the same for the second fraction: 1/8 x 7/7 = 7/56. Then, add: 48/56 + 7/56 = 55/56.

Multiplication and Division

1. 1/4 x 3

Begin by turning the whole number (3) into a fraction, so the equation should look like this: 1/4 x 3/1. Then, multiply (1 x 3) / (4 x 1) = 3/4.

2. 4 x 2/7

The answer to this problem is 8/7.

3. 3/8 x 6

The answer for this problem is 18/8, or 9/4. Note that the answer for this problem needs to be simplified. Often, this is a step that students forget to do. Remind your child at home to always check if an answer can be simplified.

4. 5 ÷ 2/6

Because this is a division problem, remember to flip the fraction, making it a reciprocal fraction. The equation should look like this: 5 x 6/2 = 5 x 3 = 15.