Let’s solve each problem step by step.
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Problem 1:
Jane ate 1/3 of the pizza.
Ann ate 2/5 of
that same pizza (not 2/5 of what Jane ate — it says “of that pizza”, meaning the whole pizza).
So we add:
1/3 + 2/5
Find a common denominator → 15
1/3 = 5/15
2/5 = 6/15
Total = 5/15 + 6/15 =
11/15
✔ They ate
11/15 of the pizza in total.
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Problem 2:
Ann ran 1/3 mile, Jane ran 1/2 mile.
Add them: 1/3 + 1/2
Common denominator → 6
1/3 = 2/6
1/2 = 3/6
Total = 2/6 + 3/6 =
5/6
✔ They ran
5/6 of a mile in total.
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Problem 3:
Jane ate 1/6 of lasagna.
Ann ate 1/8 of lasagna.
Who ate more? Compare 1/6 and 1/8.
Since 6 < 8, then 1/6 > 1/8 →
Jane ate more.
How much more? Subtract: 1/6 - 1/8
Common denominator → 24
1/6 = 4/24
1/8 = 3/24
Difference = 4/24 - 3/24 =
1/24
✔ Jane ate more, by
1/24 of the lasagna.
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Problem 4:
Gas tank was half full → that’s 1/2 full.
They added 2/5 more gas.
Now total = 1/2 + 2/5
Common denominator → 10
1/2 = 5/10
2/5 = 4/10
Total = 5/10 + 4/10 =
9/10
✔ The tank is now
9/10 full.
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Problem 5:
Jane spent 8/9 of her savings.
Ann spent 7/8 of her savings.
Who spent less?
Compare 8/9 and 7/8.
Cross-multiply to compare:
8 × 8 = 64
7 × 9 = 63
Since 64 > 63 → 8/9 > 7/8 → So
Ann spent less.
How much less? Subtract: 8/9 - 7/8
Common denominator → 72
8/9 = 64/72
7/8 = 63/72
Difference = 64/72 - 63/72 =
1/72
✔ Ann spent less, by
1/72 of her savings.
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Final Answer:
1. 11/15
2. 5/6
3. Jane ate more; 1/24 more
4. 9/10
5. Ann spent less; 1/72 less
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of subtracting fractions word problems worksheet.
