Problem solving with fractions | Year 4 Mathematics PDF Download

Problem Solving with Fractions

• Problem solving involves applying your knowledge in practical situations. 
• When dealing with word problems that involve fractions, it can initially feel daunting, akin to a comprehension question in English. However, by adopting a detective mindset, you can swiftly uncover the solution.

RUCSAC

Every detective relies on their RUCSAC to carry essential tools. RUCSAC serves as an acronym that guides us through the steps of solving word problems:

• READ: Carefully read the question to understand it.
• UNDERLINE and UNDERSTAND: Identify and comprehend key words and details.
• CHOOSE: Select the appropriate operation (-, x, ÷) and method for solving the problem.
• SOLVE: Put the chosen method into action to find the solution.
• ANSWER: Provide a clear response to the question asked.
• CHECK: Review and verify your working out to ensure accuracy.

Let's apply the RUCSAC method to tackle a fraction word problem:

Example

Example: Antonia and Julius baked a cake. Antonia ate ⁴/₈ of it and Julius ate ³/₈. How much cake did they eat altogether?
Sol: READ
Have you read the question carefully?
UNDERLINE and UNDERSTAND
Underline or highlight the important information. Do you know what the problem is asking?
Antonia and Julius baked a cake. Antonia ate ⁴/₈ of it and Julius ate ³/₈. How much cake did they eat altogether?
CHOOSE
The word “altogether” tells us that we need to add the fractions.
SOLVE
⁴/₈ + ³/₈ = ⁷/₈

ANSWER
You've worked out how much cake was eaten altogether so you have answered the question.
CHECK
Make sure you have added the fractions correctly.
⁴/₈ + ³/₈ = ⁷/₈

Using Diagrams to Represent Problems

• Utilizing models or diagrams is a valuable method to tackle problems effectively.
• For instance, consider a question involving fractions. Drawing out the parts visually and shading them can aid in finding solutions.
  
• This visual representation makes it simpler to comprehend the proportion of the cake that Antonia and Julius consumed.

Example

Example: Jack and Sam started with the same amount of pocket money. Jack spent 3/4 of his money. Sam spent 2/3 of his money. Who had the most money left?
Sol: We can model this problem using two equal bars, one beneath the other. If you then shade the fractions spent by each person, you can easily compare them.
Can you see how this shows that Sam has the most money left?
Jack has spent more money. 3/4 is more than 2/3.