January Fractions Word Problems Worksheet - ANSWER KEY | Woo! Jr ... - Free Printable

Let’s go through each problem one by one, step by step. We’ll compare the fractions to see who did more or went further — just like comparing slices of pizza!

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Problem 1: Andrew and Becky sledding

Andrew made it 5/12 down the hill.
Becky made it 7/12 down the hill.

Both have the same bottom number (denominator = 12), so we can just compare the top numbers (numerators).

7 is bigger than 5 → So 7/12 > 5/12

That means Becky went further.

Wait — but the answer in the image says “Peter”? That must be a typo! The names are Andrew and Becky. Peter isn’t even mentioned. So let’s fix that.

✔ Correct answer: Becky went further.

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Problem 2: Charles and Danny making snowballs

Charles made 1/3 of the snowballs.
Danny made 1/5 of the snowballs.

Different denominators? Let’s think: If you split something into 3 parts vs. 5 parts, which piece is bigger?

Imagine a chocolate bar:
- Cut into 3 pieces → each piece is big.
- Cut into 5 pieces → each piece is smaller.

So 1/3 > 1/5

✔ Charles made more snowballs.

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Problem 3: Eddy and Francis building an igloo

Eddy made blocks for 1/8 of the igloo.
Francis made blocks for 1/10 of the igloo.

Again, different denominators. Think about it:

If you divide the igloo into 8 parts, each part is bigger than if you divide it into 10 parts.

So 1/8 > 1/10

✔ Eddy made more blocks.

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Problem 4: Grace and Harry repairing skis

Grace repaired 3/13 of the skis.
Harry repaired 12/15 of the skis.

Hmm… these look tricky. Let’s simplify Harry’s fraction first.

12/15 → both divisible by 3 → 12÷3=4, 15÷3=5 → so 12/15 = 4/5

Now compare 3/13 and 4/5

Which is closer to 1 whole?

- 3/13 is less than half (since half of 13 is 6.5)
- 4/5 is almost all of it (only 1/5 missing)

So clearly, 4/5 > 3/13

✔ Harry repaired the most skis.

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Problem 5: Students absent due to flu

Ms. Smith’s class: 1/2 present → so 1 - 1/2 = 1/2 absent

Mr. Jones’ class: 1/4 present → so 1 - 1/4 = 3/4 absent

Compare 1/2 and 3/4

Convert 1/2 to fourths: 1/2 = 2/4

Now compare 2/4 and 3/4 → 3/4 is bigger.

✔ Mr. Jones has more students absent.

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Final Answer:
1. Becky went further.
2. Charles made more snowballs.
3. Eddy made more blocks.
4. Harry repaired the most skis.
5. Mr. Jones has more students absent.