Word Problems Leading to Simple Equations Involving Fractions - JSS3 Mathematics Lesson Note

Word problems that involve fractions often require setting up and solving equations to find the unknown quantity.

Example:

Tom has 3/4  of a cake left after a party. If he wants to share it equally among 5 friends, how much cake will each friend get?

Let 𝑥 be the amount of cake each friend gets. The equation based on the problem is:

3/4=5𝑥

To find 𝑥:

Multiply both sides by 4 to eliminate the fraction:

3=20𝑥

Divide both sides by 20 to solve for 

𝑥:

𝑥=3/20

Each friend will get 3/20 of the cake.