Working with fractions

Some problems for today...


1. How does subtracting 1/3 from 2/5 compare with subtracting 1/10 from 2/5? Which set of fractions will produce a larger difference? Explain your answer.

2. Will adding 4/7 and 3/8 result in a number that is closest to 0, 1, or 2? Explain your answer.

Where are the common denominators in these problems? Are they necessary?

3. Find 2/3 of 7/8. Will the answer be 7/8, less than 7/8, or more than 7/8? Explain your answer. What does it mean to find “2/3 of” some amount? What operation is implied?


Directions: Describe the operation the problem is suggesting, estimate a solution, and explain how you know it is reasonable. Use a model or diagram to find the exact answer.



1. You have a 2 1/3 pound bag of bird seed. Your bird feeder holds 5/6 pound of bird seed. How many
times can you fill your bird feeder from the bag of bird seed?

2. If I I had 2 1/2 pizzas, and I ate a third of that, how much would I have eaten? How much would be left?