Solve word problems with fractions
Story problems teach your child the part that matters most: knowing when a situation calls for adding or subtracting fractions. They also build the habit of asking whether an answer makes sense. That reasoning carries into ratio and rate problems in 6th and 7th grade, and into everyday moments like working out how much of a 7/8-yard ribbon is left.
In this video, your child will learn to add and subtract fractions in word problems.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
Ana runs 3/4 of a mile, then walks 1/2 of a mile. How far does she go?
Example 2
A ribbon is 3/4 of a yard long. Leo cuts off 1/3 of a yard. How much is left?
Your child's turn
Sofia drinks 3/4 cup of milk, then 5/6 cup more. How much does she drink?
The three key steps
- 1Whole missing? Add the parts.
- 2Part missing? Subtract.
- 3Same bottoms, then solve
Mistakes to listen for
- Accepting an impossible answer, like 2/5 + 1/2 = 3/7, without noticing it must be more than 1/2.
- Choosing the wrong operation, adding when the problem asks how much is left or how much more.
- Mixing different wholes, treating half of a small pizza and half of a large pizza as the same amount.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to story problems that add and subtract fractions →
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More 5th grade Numbers & Place Value, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice story problems that add and subtract fractions, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to story problems that add and subtract fractions has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
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Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on story problems that add and subtract fractions and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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