Solving Word Problems Involving Fractions

Problems involving fractions often appear in real-life situations.

Worked Example 9.1.1:

The length of a field is 30m and the breadth is 20m. Calculate \(\frac{1}{10}\)of the area of the field.

Solution

Area of the field = length  ×  breadth

= 30m × 20m

= 600m²

Hence,  \(\frac {1}{10} \scriptsize \: of \: 600m^2\)

 =\(\frac {1}{10} \scriptsize \: \times \: 600m^2\)

= 60m²

Therefore, \(\frac{1}{10}\) of the area of the field is 60m².

Worked Example 9.1.2:

A loaf of bread was divided into 24 equal sides. If 8 slices were given to Segun, what fraction is left?

Solution

This question can be solved using two different methods.

Method 1

Let the whole loaf of bread be 1.

Since 8 out of 24 was given out, so this represents \( \frac{8}{24} \) of the total.