Solved examples: Subtracting fractions & mixed numbers in word problems (Grade 5)

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🍎 Fractions: Represent parts of a whole. The top number is the numerator, and the bottom number is the denominator.
• 🔢 Mixed Numbers: A whole number combined with a fraction (e.g., $2\frac{1}{4}$).
• ➖ Subtracting Fractions: Fractions must have a common denominator before subtracting. If they don't, find the least common multiple (LCM) and convert the fractions. Then, subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.
• 🧮 Subtracting Mixed Numbers: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before subtracting. Then follow the steps for subtracting fractions. Alternatively, subtract the whole numbers and fractions separately (borrowing if necessary).
• 📝 Improper Fractions: A fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator (e.g., $\frac{5}{4}$).
• 💡 Converting Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions: Multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and place the result over the original denominator. Example: $2\frac{1}{4} = \frac{(2*4)+1}{4} = \frac{9}{4}$.
• 🌍 Word Problems: Read carefully, identify the key information, and determine what operation (subtraction) is needed. Don't forget to include units in your answer.

Practice Quiz

1. A baker had $5\frac{1}{2}$ cups of flour. She used $2\frac{1}{4}$ cups to bake a cake. How much flour does she have left?
   1. $3\frac{1}{4}$ cups
   2. $3\frac{3}{4}$ cups
   3. $2\frac{1}{4}$ cups
   4. $2\frac{3}{4}$ cups
2. John walked $3\frac{2}{3}$ miles to school. Sarah walked $1\frac{1}{6}$ miles. How much farther did John walk than Sarah?
   1. $2\frac{1}{2}$ miles
   2. $2\frac{1}{6}$ miles
   3. $2\frac{2}{3}$ miles
   4. $2\frac{5}{6}$ miles
3. A bottle contains $4\frac{3}{4}$ liters of water. Emily drank $1\frac{1}{2}$ liters. How much water is left in the bottle?
   1. $3\frac{1}{4}$ liters
   2. $3\frac{3}{4}$ liters
   3. $2\frac{1}{4}$ liters
   4. $2\frac{3}{4}$ liters
4. A ribbon was $6\frac{2}{5}$ inches long. Maria cut off $3\frac{1}{10}$ inches. How long is the remaining ribbon?
   1. $3\frac{3}{10}$ inches
   2. $3\frac{1}{5}$ inches
   3. $2\frac{3}{10}$ inches
   4. $2\frac{1}{5}$ inches
5. Tom had $8\frac{5}{8}$ pizza slices. He ate $2\frac{1}{4}$ slices. How many slices are remaining?
   1. $6\frac{3}{8}$ slices
   2. $6\frac{1}{2}$ slices
   3. $6\frac{7}{8}$ slices
   4. $5\frac{3}{8}$ slices
6. A farmer had $10\frac{2}{3}$ acres of land. He planted corn on $4\frac{1}{9}$ acres. How many acres are left?
   1. $6\frac{5}{9}$ acres
   2. $6\frac{1}{3}$ acres
   3. $5\frac{5}{9}$ acres
   4. $5\frac{1}{3}$ acres
7. Lisa had a rope of length $12\frac{3}{5}$ meters. She cut off $7\frac{1}{2}$ meters. What is the length of the remaining rope?
   1. $5\frac{1}{10}$ meters
   2. $5\frac{2}{5}$ meters
   3. $4\frac{1}{10}$ meters
   4. $4\frac{2}{5}$ meters