An easy question on fraction problems for P4–P5, with a step-by-step solution, diagrams and the answer. Common in the Hua Xia Cup's P5 and P6 qualifying rounds and finals; harder ones work backwards through fractions, or need clever shortcuts with fractions.
The question
A ribbon is 9 cm long.
Kayee cuts off a third of its length to tie a present.
How long is the piece Kayee cuts off, in centimetres?
Show the hints (2)
💡Hint 1: What is the denominator of 1/3? Split 9 into that many equal parts: how much is each part?
💡Hint 2: 1/3 means 1 of those parts.
Worked solution
Have a go first, then read the solution step by step.
1.Split 9 into 3 equal parts: 9 ÷ 3 = 3, so each part is 3 cm.
2.1/3 is one part: 3 cm.
⚠️Common mistake: working out 9 − 3 = 6. 1/3 means splitting the whole into 3 equal parts and taking one, not taking 3 away.
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