Skill: Solve simple fraction word problems

A fraction tells about a whole that has been split into equal parts.

• The denominator is the bottom number. It tells how many equal parts make the whole.
• The numerator is the top number. It tells how many of those parts we have.

Example

Lena has a chocolate bar divided into 8 equal pieces. She eats $\frac{2}{8}$ of the bar in the morning and $\frac{3}{8}$ in the afternoon. How much does she eat altogether?

Step 1: Identify the equal parts.

The denominator is $8$, so the chocolate bar has 8 equal pieces.

Step 2: Combine the parts.

Both fractions have the same denominator, so add the numerators:

$$\frac{2}{8}+\frac{3}{8}=\frac{2+3}{8}=\frac{5}{8}$$

Step 3: State the answer.

Lena eats $\boxed{\frac{5}{8}}$ of the chocolate bar altogether.

The denominator stays $8$ because the pieces are still eighths. We count the pieces by adding the numerators.