C Curriculum Explorer
Mathematics·Fractions·procedural

Fraction Word Problems

Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators, using visual models and benchmark fractions to estimate and assess reasonableness

Suggested ages 10–11

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Learning journey

Your child is mastering advanced fraction operations — adding, subtracting, and multiplying fractions with different denominators, dividing with fractions, and solving real-world problems using visual models and mathematical reasoning.

Evidence of understanding

  • Solve: 'Tara ate 2/5 of a pizza and Sam ate 1/3. How much did they eat together?'
  • Recognise that 2/5 + 1/2 ≠ 3/7 because 3/7 < 1/2 but the sum should exceed 1/2
  • Estimate a fraction sum using benchmarks (0, 1/2, 1) before computing exactly

Assessment prompt

If Fraction Word Problems walks 1 and 1/2 miles to school and 3/4 of a mile to a friend's house, can they work out the total distance — and check whether their answer makes sense?

Standards alignment

No external standards are linked to this topic.