5th Grade 5th Grade Fraction Word Problems
Solve real-life problems that add and subtract fractions with different denominators.
- Homework
- Review
- Test Prep
- Centers
Download the Free Printable PDF
No sign-up required. Clean, low-ink US Letter format.
- Grade
- 5th Grade
- Subject
- Math
- Skill
- Word Problems
- Topic
- fraction word problems with unlike denominators
- Difficulty
- Challenge
- Time
- 22 minutes
- Pages
- 2 (incl. answer key)
- Format
- Printable PDF (US Letter)
- Answer key
- Included
- Best for
- homework, review, test prep, centers
Worksheet details
What This Worksheet Practices
Students will solve word problems adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.
- Finding a common denominator in context
- Adding and subtracting unlike fractions
- Simplifying the answer
Inside This Printable
Student directions: Read each problem. Find a common denominator, solve, and simplify the answer. Include the label.
Worked example
1/2 cup + 1/4 cup: rewrite as 2/4 + 1/4 = 3/4 cup.
Sample questions
- A recipe uses 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/3 cup of brown sugar. How much sugar in all?
- Liam ran 3/4 mile and walked 1/8 mile. How far did he go in total?
- A board is 5/6 m long. You cut off 1/2 m. How much is left?
The PDF contains 6 practice questions plus 2 challenge questions.
Worksheet Preview
When the pieces are different sizes
Fifth-grade fraction problems use unlike denominators, so the pieces are different sizes. The first step is always to find a common denominator — a size both fractions can share — before adding or subtracting. Then simplify.
How to use it
Have students rewrite both fractions with a common denominator first, then solve and simplify. Builds on 4th grade fraction word problems.
👩🏫 Teacher note
The first step is always a common denominator. Have students rewrite both fractions before adding or subtracting, then simplify if possible.
🏠 Parent note
Ask 'What is a denominator both fractions can share?' before adding.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Adding without finding a common denominator
- Forgetting to simplify the answer
Answer Key
The common denominator step and simplified answer are given for each problem.
⬇ Download Answer Key (PDF)Related Worksheets
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Frequently Asked Questions
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