5.NF.2: Word Problems with Fractions

Visual Models for Fraction Word Problems

1. Fraction Bars

Draw rectangular bars divided into equal parts to represent fractions in word problems. For "Maya ate 2/3 of a pizza and Jamal ate 1/4," draw one bar divided into thirds with 2 parts shaded, and another bar divided into fourths with 1 part shaded. Then redraw both using twelfths to show the addition: 8/12 + 3/12 = 11/12.

2. Number Lines

Use number lines to represent fraction operations in word problems. For "Carlos ran 3 1/2 miles on Monday and 2 3/4 miles on Tuesday," mark both distances on a number line and find the total distance or the difference between them.

3. Tape Diagrams

Create tape diagrams (bar models) to visualize the relationship between quantities in word problems. This helps identify whether to add or subtract and shows how the parts relate to the whole.

4. Area Models

Use rectangular area models divided into sections to represent fractions in word problems, especially when dealing with parts of a whole. This visual representation helps children understand the problem context.

Everyday Activities

1. Recipe Challenges

Use cooking to create fraction word problems. "This recipe calls for 3/4 cup of flour, but we only have 1/3 cup. How much more do we need?" or "If we use 2 1/2 cups of flour for one batch and 1 3/4 cups for another, how much flour do we use altogether?"

2. Distance Tracking

Track walking or running distances for a week, recording them as mixed numbers. Create and solve comparison problems: "How much farther did we walk on Saturday than on Sunday?" or "What was our total distance for the week?"

3. Fraction Story Problems

Take turns creating and solving fraction word problems based on family activities. "Dad ate 1/4 of the cake and Mom ate 1/6. How much cake did they eat together?" This makes fraction practice relevant to everyday experiences.

4. Shopping Math

Use grocery shopping to create fraction word problems about weights, costs, or quantities. "If apples cost $2.50 per pound and we buy 2 3/4 pounds, how much will we pay?" This connects fractions to money and measurement.

Strategies When Your Child Struggles

1. Problem-Solving Steps

Create a simple checklist for fraction word problems: 1) Read and understand, 2) Draw a picture, 3) Identify the operation, 4) Find common denominators, 5) Solve, 6) Check if answer makes sense. This structured approach helps break down complex problems.

2. Key Word Strategy

Make a list of key words that signal addition (altogether, combined, total) or subtraction (difference, how much more, remaining). Have your child highlight these words when reading problems to help identify the operation needed.

3. Draw First Approach

Encourage your child to draw a visual representation of the problem before attempting to solve it mathematically. This helps clarify what operation is needed and how the fractions relate to each other.

4. Estimation Check

Teach your child to estimate the answer first (using simple fractions like 1/2 or 1) to check if their final answer is reasonable. This helps catch calculation errors and builds number sense.

5. Restate the Problem

Have your child restate the problem in their own words before solving. This helps ensure they understand what they're being asked to find and improves comprehension of the problem context.

5-Minute Activities

Activity 1: Word Problem Creation

Give your child a fraction addition or subtraction equation (e.g., 2/3 + 1/4 = 11/12) and ask them to create a word problem that matches it. This helps them understand the connection between operations and real-world situations.

Activity 2: Visual Model Match

Present a word problem and several visual models. Ask your child to select the model that correctly represents the problem and explain their choice. This builds critical thinking about problem representation.

Activity 3: Operation Decision

Read a word problem aloud and ask your child to quickly identify whether it requires addition or subtraction, explaining their reasoning. This focuses on the critical skill of interpreting problem context.

Activity 4: Real-World Connections

Look for opportunities to create fraction word problems based on everyday situations (cooking, sharing food, distances, time). This helps children see the relevance of fractions in daily life.

Mid-Year Expectations

By the middle of 5th grade, your child should be able to:

• Identify whether a word problem requires addition or subtraction of fractions
• Draw a visual model to represent simple fraction word problems
• Find common denominators when adding or subtracting fractions in word problems
• Solve one-step word problems involving fractions with unlike denominators

End-of-Year Expectations

By the end of 5th grade, your child should be able to:

• Solve multi-step word problems involving fractions with unlike denominators
• Create appropriate visual models for complex fraction word problems
• Solve problems involving mixed numbers
• Assess the reasonableness of answers in the context of the problem

Mastery Signs

Your child has mastered this standard when they can consistently:

• Correctly identify whether to add or subtract based on the problem context
• Create appropriate visual models to represent word problems
• Find common denominators when adding or subtracting fractions
• Solve problems involving mixed numbers
• Check if their answer is reasonable in the context of the problem
• Explain their solution process clearly

Questions to Ask:

Ask your child to solve these problems and explain their process:

• "Maya ate 2/3 of a pizza and Jamal ate 1/4. How much pizza did they eat altogether?"
• "Carlos ran 3 1/2 miles on Monday and 2 3/4 miles on Tuesday. How much farther did he run on Monday than on Tuesday?"
• "A recipe calls for 3/4 cup of flour, but we only have 1/3 cup. How much more flour do we need?"

Below Grade Level

Practice problems focusing on simple fraction word problems with visual supports and step-by-step guidance.

📥 Download Practice Worksheet

At Grade Level

Standard practice with word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators.

📥 Download Grade Level Worksheet

Above Grade Level

Advanced multi-step word problems involving fractions and mixed numbers in complex real-world contexts.

📥 Download Challenge Worksheet