Add & subtract mixed numbers word problem worksheets | Worsheets library - Free Printable

Here's the solution to each of the three fraction word problems from the worksheet, with step-by-step explanations:

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Problem 1:

> He has two pumpkin fields and the total area of the two pumpkin fields is 3 2/5 acres. The big field yield 3 1/4 tons of pumpkins and the small field 2 1/12 tons of pumpkins. What is the total yield of pumpkins?

Goal: Find the total yield — that means add the yields from both fields.

We are given:
- Big field yield = 3 1/4 tons
- Small field yield = 2 1/12 tons

Step 1: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions (optional but helpful)

- 3 1/4 = (3 × 4 + 1)/4 = 13/4
- 2 1/12 = (2 × 12 + 1)/12 = 25/12

Step 2: Add the fractions

We need a common denominator. LCM of 4 and 12 is 12.

Convert 13/4 to twelfths:
→ 13/4 = (13 × 3)/(4 × 3) = 39/12

Now add:
→ 39/12 + 25/12 = 64/12

Step 3: Simplify the result

64/12 can be simplified by dividing numerator and denominator by 4:
→ 64 ÷ 4 = 16; 12 ÷ 4 = 3 → 16/3

Convert back to mixed number:
→ 16 ÷ 3 = 5 with remainder 1 → 5 1/3

✔ Answer: The total yield of pumpkins is 5 1/3 tons.

*(Note: The total area of the fields — 3 2/5 acres — is extra information not needed to solve this problem.)*

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Problem 2:

> The biggest zucchini from Joe’s farm is 2 3/5 pounds, which is 1 1/10 pound more than the average weight of zucchinis from his farm. What is the average weight of zucchinis from his farm?

Goal: Find the average weight, given that the biggest one is 1 1/10 pounds *more* than the average.

So, if we subtract 1 1/10 from the biggest zucchini’s weight, we get the average.

Given:
- Biggest zucchini = 2 3/5 pounds
- Difference = 1 1/10 pounds

Step 1: Convert to improper fractions

- 2 3/5 = (2×5 + 3)/5 = 13/5
- 1 1/10 = (1×10 + 1)/10 = 11/10

Step 2: Subtract

Find common denominator. LCM of 5 and 10 is 10.

Convert 13/5 to tenths:
→ 13/5 = (13 × 2)/(5 × 2) = 26/10

Now subtract:
→ 26/10 - 11/10 = 15/10

Step 3: Simplify

15/10 = 3/2 = 1 1/2

✔ Answer: The average weight of zucchinis from his farm is 1 1/2 pounds.

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Problem 3:

> Farm Joe ordered 3 bags of soil last month. Each bag weighed 4 1/2 kilograms. He used the first bag in a week. At the end of this month, there were 2 1/4 kilograms of soil left in the second bag and 2 kilograms of soil left in the third bag. How much soil was used in this month?

Goal: Find how much soil was used during the month.

Total soil ordered = 3 bags × 4 1/2 kg each
Leftover soil = soil left in bag 2 + soil left in bag 3
Used soil = Total ordered – Leftover

Step 1: Calculate total soil ordered

Each bag = 4 1/2 kg = 9/2 kg

Total = 3 × 9/2 = 27/2 kg

Step 2: Calculate leftover soil

Bag 2 left: 2 1/4 kg = 9/4 kg
Bag 3 left: 2 kg = 2/1 kg = 8/4 kg (to have common denominator)

Add leftovers:
→ 9/4 + 8/4 = 17/4 kg

Step 3: Subtract leftover from total to find used

Total = 27/2 = 54/4 (convert to fourths)

Used = 54/4 - 17/4 = 37/4 kg

Convert to mixed number:
→ 37 ÷ 4 = 9 with remainder 1 → 9 1/4

✔ Answer: 9 1/4 kilograms of soil were used in this month.

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✔ Final Answers:

1. 5 1/3 tons
2. 1 1/2 pounds
3. 9 1/4 kilograms

Let me know if you’d like visual diagrams or further breakdowns!