IXL | Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators: word problems

In making macaroni and cheese, Meg used 1/8 of a cup of cheddar and 1/2 of a cup of parmesan. How much cheese did Meg use in all?

Write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number.

cups

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Learn with an example

question

Last week Wesley and his roommates ate 1/8 of a carton of yogurt, and this week they ate 1/2 of a carton. How much more yogurt did they eat this week compared to last week?

Write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number.

cartons

solution

Find how many more cartons they ate this week by subtracting 1/8 from 1/2.

You can use 8 as the common denominator.

Multiply the numerator and the denominator of

by 4 to find an equivalent fraction.

1 × 4

2 × 4

Now subtract the fractions. Subtract the numerators and keep the denominators the same.

−

Wesley and his roommates ate 3/8 of a carton more yogurt this week.

Looking for more? Try these:

Lesson: Adding fractions with unlike denominators

Lesson: Subtracting fractions with unlike denominators

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Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

L.6Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators

T.4Add and subtract fractions with like denominators: word problems

Lesson: Adding fractions with unlike denominators

Lesson: Subtracting fractions with unlike denominators

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