Fraction Word Problems Practice Questions

Use these fraction word problem sample questions to practice identifying the correct operation, calculating with fractions and mixed numbers, and interpreting answers in context. Answer each question before opening the explanation.

Topics Covered

  • Adding and subtracting fractions
  • Multiplying fractions
  • Dividing by fractions
  • Working with mixed numbers
  • Finding a fraction of a whole number
  • Finding the remaining fraction
  • Multi-step fraction problems
  • Simplifying answers

Sample Questions

1. A recipe uses 3⁄4 cup of flour for one batch of muffins. How much flour is needed for 21⁄2 batches?

  • A. 11⁄4 cups
  • B. 11⁄2 cups
  • C. 17⁄8 cups
  • D. 21⁄4 cups
  • E. 31⁄4 cups
Show Answer for Question 1
Answer: C. 17⁄8 cups

Multiply the amount used for one batch by the number of batches: 3⁄4 × 21⁄2.

Rewrite 21⁄2 as 5⁄2. Then multiply: 3⁄4 × 5⁄2 = 15⁄8 = 17⁄8.

2. A water tank is 5⁄6 full. During the day, an amount equal to 1⁄4 of the tank’s total capacity is used. What fraction of the tank remains full?

  • A. 1⁄2
  • B. 7⁄12
  • C. 2⁄3
  • D. 3⁄4
  • E. 11⁄12
Show Answer for Question 2
Answer: B. 7⁄12

Subtract the amount used from the amount originally in the tank: 5⁄6 − 1⁄4.

The least common denominator is 12. Rewrite the fractions as 10⁄12 − 3⁄12 = 7⁄12.

3. A school has 350 students. If 3⁄7 of the students ride the bus, how many students ride the bus?

  • A. 100
  • B. 125
  • C. 140
  • D. 150
  • E. 175
Show Answer for Question 3
Answer: D. 150 students

Find 3⁄7 of 350 by multiplying: 3⁄7 × 350.

Divide 350 by 7 to get 50, then multiply 50 by 3. The result is 150.

4. A roll of ribbon is 81⁄4 yards long. A decorator uses 32⁄3 yards. How much ribbon remains?

  • A. 45⁄12 yards
  • B. 47⁄12 yards
  • C. 55⁄12 yards
  • D. 57⁄12 yards
  • E. 61⁄12 yards
Show Answer for Question 4
Answer: B. 47⁄12 yards

Subtract 32⁄3 from 81⁄4.

Use twelfths: 1⁄4 = 3⁄12 and 2⁄3 = 8⁄12. Borrow 1 from 8, making 715⁄12 − 38⁄12 = 47⁄12.

5. Beth walked 13⁄4 miles in the morning and 21⁄2 miles in the evening. How far did she walk altogether?

  • A. 31⁄4 miles
  • B. 33⁄4 miles
  • C. 41⁄4 miles
  • D. 41⁄2 miles
  • E. 51⁄4 miles
Show Answer for Question 5
Answer: C. 41⁄4 miles

Add 13⁄4 and 21⁄2.

Rewrite 1⁄2 as 2⁄4. Then 13⁄4 + 22⁄4 = 35⁄4 = 41⁄4.

6. Rina read 2⁄5 of a book on Monday and 1⁄4 of the book on Tuesday. What fraction of the book remains unread?

  • A. 3⁄20
  • B. 7⁄20
  • C. 9⁄20
  • D. 11⁄20
  • E. 13⁄20
Show Answer for Question 6
Answer: B. 7⁄20

First find the fraction Rina read: 2⁄5 + 1⁄4.

Using a denominator of 20 gives 8⁄20 + 5⁄20 = 13⁄20. Subtract from the whole: 20⁄20 − 13⁄20 = 7⁄20.

7. A pet store has 41⁄2 pounds of birdseed. It places the seed into bags that each hold 3⁄4 pound. How many full bags can it fill?

  • A. 4
  • B. 5
  • C. 6
  • D. 7
  • E. 8
Show Answer for Question 7
Answer: C. 6 bags

Divide the total amount by the amount in each bag: 41⁄2 ÷ 3⁄4.

Rewrite 41⁄2 as 9⁄2 and multiply by the reciprocal: 9⁄2 × 4⁄3 = 6.

8. In a class of 24 students, 3⁄8 bring lunch from home. How many students bring lunch from home?

  • A. 6
  • B. 8
  • C. 9
  • D. 12
  • E. 16
Show Answer for Question 8
Answer: C. 9 students

Multiply 24 by 3⁄8.

Divide 24 by 8 to get 3, then multiply 3 by 3. The result is 9.

9. A carpenter cuts a 6-foot board into pieces that are each 3⁄4 foot long. How many complete pieces can be cut?

  • A. 6
  • B. 7
  • C. 8
  • D. 9
  • E. 10
Show Answer for Question 9
Answer: C. 8 pieces

Divide the total length by the length of each piece: 6 ÷ 3⁄4.

Multiply by the reciprocal: 6 × 4⁄3 = 8.

10. Vegetables occupy 2⁄3 of a community garden. Tomatoes occupy 3⁄5 of the vegetable area. What fraction of the entire garden is planted with tomatoes?

  • A. 1⁄5
  • B. 2⁄5
  • C. 3⁄8
  • D. 3⁄5
  • E. 5⁄8
Show Answer for Question 10
Answer: B. 2⁄5

Find 3⁄5 of 2⁄3 by multiplying.

2⁄3 × 3⁄5 = 6⁄15. Simplify by dividing the numerator and denominator by 3: 2⁄5.

How to Solve Fraction Word Problems

First identify what the problem is asking. Words such as altogether often suggest addition, remains often suggests subtraction, of often indicates multiplication, and dividing a total into equal fractional amounts requires division.

Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions when multiplying or dividing. When adding or subtracting, use a common denominator. Always simplify the result and check that the answer makes sense in the context of the problem.

Last Updated: July 27, 2026

 

Last Updated: July 27, 2026