Word problem about multiplying and subtracting fractions

by Moises Villalpando
(San Diego, CA)

Your job is to sweep 3/4 of the school's cafeteria. Your friend agrees to help you and sweeps 1/3 of your part. What fraction of the entire floor your friend agreed to sweep? What fraction of the entire cafeteria floor you will have to sweep?

Solution:

Your friend will help you with 1/3 of your part. This can be written as 1/3 of 3/4 or 1/3 times 3/4.

1/3 times 3/4 = 3/12 = 1/4

So, your friend will complete 1/4 of the job.

Your part now is 3/4 - 1/4 = 2/4 = 1/2

You will sweep only half the cafeteria.


Alternatively, you could write 3/4 = 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4

and then argue that you have 3 jobs to do consisted of 1/4, 1/4, and 1/4.

If your friend takes 1 out of these 3 jobs, it means 1/4.

Then, you are left with 1/4 + 1/4, which is equal to 2/4 or 1/2

Comments for Word problem about multiplying and subtracting fractions

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Dec 04, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Very helpful
by: Anonymous

This was an excellet example to help my daughter understand her math problem!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Basic math word problem.

Recent Articles

  1. Fundamental Counting Principle

    Jun 06, 23 07:32 AM

    Multiplication principle and addition principle
    The fundamental counting principle is introduced in this lesson. Learn how to count with the multiplication principle and the addition principle.

    Read More

  2. 45-45-90 Triangle

    May 01, 23 07:00 AM

    45-45-90 triangle
    What is a 45-45-90 triangle? Definition, proof, area, and easy to follow real-world examples.

    Read More

Tough algebra word problems

100 Tough Algebra Word Problems.

If you can solve these problems with no help, you must be a genius!

Math quizzes

 Recommended

Math vocabulary quizzes