PSLE fractions questions with worked answers
Fractions questions in the PSLE are rarely about the calculation alone. Your child has to see what each fraction is a fraction of, especially when a question says "of the remainder", and that one phrase is where many marks go.
What the PSLE tests in fractions
- Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions and mixed numbers
- Dividing a proper fraction by a whole number, and a whole number or proper fraction by a proper fraction
- Fraction of a set and fraction of a quantity
- Problem sums with a fraction of a remainder, often solved with units or a bar model
- Giving answers in simplest form
Where children lose the most marks
- "Spent a fraction, then a fraction of the remainder" problem sums worked backwards from what is left
- Questions where two fractions refer to different wholes and must be changed to a common number of units
- Dividing by a fraction inside a problem sum, without a calculator in Paper 1
A PSLE-style question, worked
Farah had some money. She spent 1/4 of it on a bag and 2/3 of the remainder on a pair of shoes. She had $30 left. How much money did she have at first?
- Let her money at first be 4 units.
- Bag: 1/4 of 4 units = 1 unit. Remainder = 3 units
- Shoes: 2/3 of 3 units = 2 units
- Left: 3 units − 2 units = 1 unit
- 1 unit = $30
- 4 units = 4 × $30 = $120
Why $360 is wrong: The child took 2/3 of the whole amount instead of 2/3 of the remainder: 1 − 1/4 − 2/3 = 1/12, so 1/12 = $30 and the total became $360.
Free PSLE fractions questions with answers
Careless mistakes to watch in fractions
Fraction of a remainder
Your child takes "2/3 of the remainder" as 2/3 of the whole and loses the marks. See why it happens and how to fix it at home with one question.
See the fix →Simplest form in final fraction answers
Your child gets 3/6 when the answer is 1/2. When the PSLE asks for simplest form, unsimplified fractions can cost the mark. How to build the habit.
See the fix →Calculation slip
Your child uses the right method but slips on the arithmetic, like a missing zero in long division. How to spot calculation slips and cut them down.
See the fix →Questions parents ask
Does the PSLE require fraction answers in simplest form?
Yes, unless the question says otherwise. An unsimplified final fraction can cost the mark even when the working is right.
Should my child use bar models or units for fraction problem sums?
Either is accepted if the working is clear. Units are quicker for remainder questions, and a bar model helps a child see which whole each fraction belongs to.
Are fractions tested in both PSLE papers?
Fractions commonly appear in both, as short calculations in Paper 1 without a calculator and as longer structured problem sums in Paper 2.
See which habits are costing your child marks.
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