Fractions · Grade 4

Missing Fraction Part Word Problems

Keep the same reference whole when teaching missing fraction amounts.

4 problemsAnswer key includedPrintable worksheetA4 & US Letter

Teaching notes for parents and teachers

How to teach it

Represent the total and known part on matching fraction strips. Identify the unfilled part before subtracting.

Example to work through together

Use the model below as you explain the example. Have your student point to the quantities as you discuss them.

1/21/21/2?One unit wholeOne unit whole

3/2 + □ = 2

Two unit wholes make four halves: 2 = 4/2. Three halves are known, leaving one half.

2 − 3/2 = 4/2 − 3/2 = 1/2

Check: 3/2 + 1/2 = 4/2 = 2.

Ask your student

What do the known part and the missing part add up to?

If your student needs help

If the student's pieces use different wholes, redraw the strips at the same scale.

Make a practice set

Select the worksheet, answer key, or both. When both are selected, the answer key prints after the questions. Keep it separate if you want your student to work independently.

Print materials

After your student finishes

Ask what each whole represents. Have the child explain the missing part, then check that both parts add to the stated total.

More about fractions · Grade 4 worksheets

Grade 4 selected skill connection: 4.NF.B.3.a–c (selected part-whole and mixed-number relationships; whole/target from 1 to 2). See the Common Core standards for this grade. This worksheet does not cover every requirement in the standard.