Grade 5 · Texas STAAR · Fractions
Adding fractions: a 5th grade STAAR word problem
0:58 video · Watch on YouTube
Maya walked 1 5/12 miles. To add 2/3 and 3/4, change both fractions to twelfths: 2/3 is 8/12 and 3/4 is 9/12, so the total is 17/12, which is 1 5/12.
This is the kind of word problem Texas 5th graders meet on the STAAR math test: the words "in all" mean add, and the fractions have different denominators, so the first step is a common denominator.
The question, solved step by step
Maya walked 2/3 of a mile to the park. Then she walked 3/4 of a mile to the library. How far did she walk in all?
- "In all" means add: 2/3 + 3/4.
- The denominators are different (3 and 4), so find a common denominator. 12 works for both.
- Change each fraction: 2/3 = 8/12 and 3/4 = 9/12.
- Add the twelfths: 8/12 + 9/12 = 17/12.
- 17/12 is more than one whole, so write it as a mixed number: 1 5/12 miles.
Answer
Maya walked 1 5/12 miles.
The common mistake
Adding the tops and the bottoms: 2/3 + 3/4 = 5/7. A quick check shows it cannot be right: each part is more than one half, so the total must be more than 1, and 5/7 is less than 1.
Parent tip
Before your child adds, ask: is each fraction more or less than one half? That ten-second estimate catches most fraction slips, on homework and on the test.
Video transcript
0:00Is your fifth grader stuck on STAAR fractions? Let's solve one, step by step!
0:06Maya walked two thirds of a mile to the park. Then she walked three fourths of a mile to the library. How far did she walk in all?
0:17Pause and try it together. Three, two, one!
0:22In all means add. Different denominators, so find a common one. Twelve works for both!
0:30Two thirds is eight twelfths. Three fourths is nine twelfths.
0:35Eight twelfths plus nine twelfths is seventeen twelfths. That's one and five twelfths miles!
0:42Check: each part is more than one half, so the total must be more than one. It is!
0:49Want one on one help for your child? Book a free math assessment at taleemsquare.com.
Questions parents ask
How do you add fractions with different denominators?
When do children learn to add fractions with unlike denominators?
How can I help my child with fraction word problems at home?
Get one-to-one help for your child
Your child meets a tutor for a real one-to-one session. You get an honest read on where they are and what would help, even if the answer is that they don't need tutoring right now.
- 1
We reply on WhatsApp
Usually within 10 minutes, to find a time that suits your family.
- 2
Your child meets the tutor
A relaxed 45-minute session to see their level and how they learn.
- 3
You decide
You get a recommendation and a plan. No card details, no pressure.