Let’s solve each problem step by step.
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Problem 1:
> Ellen planned to interview some applicants for a position in her office. If she scheduled ¼ of an hour to meet each of them, how much time did she schedule for all 6 applicants?
Solution:
She spends ¼ hour per applicant, and there are 6 applicants.
So total time = 6 × ¼ = 6/4 =
3/2 hours or
1½ hours.
✔ Answer: 1½ hours
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Problem 2:
> Instead of ¼ of an hour, Ellen spent ⅓ of an hour to meet each applicant. How much more time did she spend meeting all the applicants?
Solution:
First, find out how much time she actually spent:
6 applicants × ⅓ hour each = 6/3 =
2 hours
Previously (from Problem 1), she had scheduled 6 × ¼ = 1½ hours.
Now, find the difference:
2 hours – 1½ hours =
½ hour
✔ Answer: ½ hour more
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Problem 3:
> After the interview, Ellen decided to hire two of the applicants and reject the others. Ellen’s assistant called back the applicants to tell them the result. She spent ⅛ of an hour calling each of the rejected applicants and ¼ of an hour calling each of the hired applicants. How much time did the assistant spend making these calls?
Solution:
Total applicants = 6 (from Problem 1)
Hired = 2 → Rejected = 6 – 2 =
4
Time spent calling rejected applicants:
4 × ⅛ = 4/8 =
½ hour
Time spent calling hired applicants:
2 × ¼ = 2/4 =
½ hour
Total time = ½ + ½ =
1 hour
✔ Answer: 1 hour
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Final Answers:
1.
1½ hours
2.
½ hour more
3.
1 hour
These problems involve multiplying fractions by whole numbers and adding/subtracting fractions — key skills in Grade 5 fraction operations!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of 5th grade math fraction word problems worksheet.
