24 Fraction Questions And Answers To Test Fractions Knowledge And Skills From KS2 to GCSE

In this blog, we take a look at the sorts of skills pupils need to tackle fraction questions and fraction word problems, and then provide examples of the different sorts of fraction questions children are likely to encounter in KS2, KS3, and KS4.

Fractions key skills

Some of the key fractions skills that pupils will learn are: 

Below we will touch on each of these skills and provide links to more detail and examples.

Download Free Resources

Fractions Intervention Pack

Try these lessons to help your pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of fractions.

Download Free Now!


How to find a fraction of an amount

To find a fraction of a value, we need to know how to multiply fractions and how to divide fractions. The process involves dividing the value by the denominator and then multiplying that answer by the numerator.

For example, find \cfrac{2}{5} \, of 30

First, we find \cfrac{1}{5} \, of 30, by dividing 30 by 5.

fraction questions amounts image 1

\cfrac{1}{5} \, of 30 = 30 \div 5 = 6

Next, we find \cfrac{2}{5} \, of 30 by multiplying the asnwer by 2.

fraction questions amounts image 2

\cfrac{2}{5} \, of 30 = 6 \times 2 = 12


How to add or subtract fractions with different denominators

To add and subtract fractions with different denominators, we need to rewrite the fractions with a common denominator. To do this, we look for the lowest common multiple (lcm) of the denominators.

Let’s look at an example: \cfrac{2}{5} + \cfrac{1}{4}

The lcm of 5 and 4 is 20, so we rewrite the fractions, using our knowledge of equivalent fractions, with a denominator of 20.

fraction questions add subtract 1fraction questions add subtract 2

We can rewrite the first fraction as \cfrac{8}{20} \, and the second fraction as \cfrac{5}{20} \, .

Therefore \cfrac{2}{5} + \cfrac{1}{4}=\cfrac{8}{20}+\cfrac{5}{20}

Once we have the two fractions written with the same denominator, we can add the numerators. The denominator remains the same.

\cfrac{8}{20}+\cfrac{5}{20}=\cfrac{13}{20}

fraction questions add subtract 3


How to compare and convert fractions, decimals and percentages

Fractions are one way of measuring parts of a whole. Percentages and decimals are other ways of measuring parts of a whole. Pupils will first learn about key equivalences between the most common fractions, decimals and percentages, such as halves, quarters, and tenths. Later, in KS3, they will then learn methods for converting between any fractions, decimals, and percentages.

Here are some helpful visuals for the most common fractions, decimals, and percentages:

fraction questions fractions decimals percentages 1


Fraction questions

There are a variety of fraction questions that might be asked in KS2, KS3, and KS4. Here we focus on fraction word problems and problem-solving questions which often provide the greatest challenge to pupils at primary school and secondary school.

At KS2, using real-world problems together with concrete resources or maths manipulatives is one of the best ways to help pupils visualise and understand what they are being asked to do.

In KS3 and KS4, word problems and problem solving questions can encourage students to think more deeply about about the processes and steps involved in a question.


Fractions in KS2

At the beginning of KS2, pupils will have an understanding of basic fractions, such as \cfrac{1}{2}, \cfrac{1}{4}, and \cfrac{3}{4}.

They will be able to write a fraction and find a fraction of a shape or a quantity. Over the course of KS2, they will spend a significant amount of time developing their knowledge of fractions. By the end of KS2, pupils will have covered:

  • Finding a fraction of a quantity
  • Equivalent fractions
  • Ordering and comparing fractions
  • Adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominator
  • Adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators
  • Multiplying fractions and dividing fractions by whole numbers and fractions
  • Improper fractions and mixed numbers (sometimes called mixed fractions)
  • Equivalences between fractions, decimal and percentages

Find out more: KS2 fractions: a teacher’s guide

A Third Space Learning online Year 5 lesson using equivalent fraction questions.
A Third Space Learning online Year 5 lesson on equivalent fractions.
Read more:

Lower KS2 fraction questions

1. Natalie had 20 sweets. She ate \cfrac{1}{4} \, of them.

How many sweets did Natalie eat?

4
GCSE Quiz False

10
GCSE Quiz False

5
GCSE Quiz True

2
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{1}{4} \, of 20 = 20 \div 4 = 5

2. Osian had some money. He gave \cfrac{1}{5} of the money to Ethan. He gave \cfrac{2}{5} of the money to Ffion. What fraction of the money did he give away in total?

\cfrac{2}{5}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{3}{5}
GCSE Quiz True

\cfrac{1}{5}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{3}{10}
GCSE Quiz False

He gave away \cfrac{1}{5}+\cfrac{2}{5}=\cfrac{3}{5}

3. Choose the correct fraction to go in the box:

 

fraction questions lower KS2 1

\cfrac{4}{5}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{2}{5}
GCSE Quiz True

\cfrac{2}{4}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{10}{4}
GCSE Quiz False

fraction questions lower KS2 2

Upper KS2 fraction questions

4. There are 32 pupils in a class. \cfrac{3}{8} \, of the pupils are girls.

How many of the pupils are boys?

20
GCSE Quiz True

18
GCSE Quiz False

4
GCSE Quiz False

12
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{1}{8} \, of 32 = 32 \div 8 = 4

 

\cfrac{3}{8} \, of 32 = 4 \times 3=12, so there are 12 girls.

 

32-12=20, so there are 20 boys.

5. Which fraction is the odd one out?

\cfrac{2}{3}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{20}{30}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{24}{36}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{12}{13}
GCSE Quiz True

fraction questions upper KS2 1 fraction questions upper KS2 2

 

\cfrac{12}{13} \, is not equivalent to \cfrac{2}{3} \, so it is the odd one out.

6. Ben and Jacob both received the same amount of pocket money.

Ben spent \cfrac{3}{4} \, of his pocket money. Jacob spent \cfrac{13}{20} \, of his pocket money.

Choose the correct symbol to make this sentence correct.

fraction questions upper KS2 3

=
GCSE Quiz False

<
GCSE Quiz False

>
GCSE Quiz True

fraction questions upper KS2 4

 

Therefore \cfrac{3}{4} > \cfrac{13}{20}

7. In a jug, there is \cfrac{2}{3} \, litre of juice.

Willow pours \cfrac{1}{5} \, litre of juice from the jug. What fraction of a litre is left in the jug?

\cfrac{7}{15}
GCSE Quiz True

\cfrac{1}{2}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{13}{15}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{3}{8}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{2}{3}-\cfrac{1}{5} = \cfrac{10}{15}-\cfrac{3}{15} =\cfrac{7}{15}

8. Tim walked \cfrac{3}{7} \, of a mile each day, for 5 days.

How far did Tim walk in total?

\cfrac{15}{35}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{3}{35}
GCSE Quiz False

2\cfrac{1}{7}
GCSE Quiz True

5\cfrac{3}{7}
GCSE Quiz False

5 \times \cfrac{3}{7} = \cfrac{15}{7} = 2 \cfrac{1}{7}

 

fraction questions upper KS2 5

9. April got 12 questions wrong on a test.

This was \cfrac{2}{5} \, of the questions.

How many questions were on the test?

60
GCSE Quiz False

30
GCSE Quiz True

4.8
GCSE Quiz False

48
GCSE Quiz False

\begin{aligned} \cfrac{2}{5}&=12\\\\ \cfrac{1}{5}&=12 \div 2 = 6\\\\ \cfrac{5}{5}&=6 \times 5 = 30 \end{aligned}

Looking for more KS2 fraction questions?

These fraction worksheets provide lots more fraction questions, covering both basic elements and more complex problems. Answers are also included:


Fractions in KS3

In KS3, pupils develop their confidence in working with fractions. They practise all of the skills learnt at KS2 and learn to apply these to a variety of problems. Fractions will be learnt about as a topic in their own right, but will also be increasingly embedded into other areas of maths, such as algebra and geometry, as pupils progress through KS3.


Manipulating fractions questions

10. The ratio of men:women working in a company is 3:5. What fraction of the workers are men?

\cfrac{3}{5}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{2}{5}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{3}{8}
GCSE Quiz True

\cfrac{5}{8}
GCSE Quiz False

For every 3 men, there are 5 women. Therefore in a total of 8 people, there are 3 men. The fraction of the workers who are men is \cfrac{3}{8} \, .

11. Ellie says that \cfrac{14}{6}=2\cfrac{1}{3} \, .

Is Ellie correct?

Explain how you know.

Yes

GCSE Quiz True

No

GCSE Quiz False

We can’t tell

GCSE Quiz False

2 \cfrac{1}{3} \,= \cfrac{2 \times 3 +1}{3} \, = \cfrac{7}{3}

 

\cfrac{7}{3} = \cfrac{14}{6}

Finding a fraction of an amount questions

12. 2400 people attended a concert. \cfrac{3}{8} \, of the people were men.

\cfrac{5}{12} \, of the people were women. The rest of the people were children.
 
How many children were at the concert?

800
GCSE Quiz False

1500
GCSE Quiz False

1400
GCSE Quiz False

500
GCSE Quiz True

\cfrac{3}{8} \, of 2400

 

2400 \div 8 =300

 

300 \times 3=900

 
 

\cfrac{5}{12} \, of 2400

 

2400 \div 12 =200

 

200 \times 5=1000

 
 

2400-900-1000=500

13. In January the value of a house was £280000.

By August, the value of the house had decreased by \cfrac{1}{10} \, .

Find the value of the house in August.

£252000
GCSE Quiz True

£308000
GCSE Quiz False

£28000
GCSE Quiz False

£277200
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{1}{10} \, of 280000

 

280000 \div 10=28000

 

280000-28000=252000

Calculating with fractions and mixed numbers questions

14. Richard wants to calculate \cfrac{5}{8} \div \cfrac{4}{5} \, . Select the correct method.

\cfrac{5}{8} \div \cfrac{4}{5}=\cfrac{5}{8} \times \cfrac{4}{5} =\cfrac{20}{40}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{5}{8} \div \cfrac{4}{5}=\cfrac{25}{40} \div \cfrac{32}{40} =\cfrac{0.78125}{40}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{5}{8} \div \cfrac{4}{5}=\cfrac{8}{5} \times \cfrac{4}{5} =\cfrac{32}{40}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{5}{8} \div \cfrac{4}{5}=\cfrac{5}{8} \times \cfrac{5}{4} =\cfrac{25}{32}
GCSE Quiz True

15. Here is a signpost.

 

fraction questions mixed numbers

 

What is the distance from Tresaith to Aberporth?

4\cfrac{3}{7} \; \mathrm{km}
GCSE Quiz False

4\cfrac{11}{12} \; \mathrm{km}
GCSE Quiz True

2\cfrac{5}{12} \; \mathrm{km}
GCSE Quiz False

1\cfrac{7}{12} \; \mathrm{km}
GCSE Quiz False

\begin{aligned} 1\cfrac{1}{4} + 3\cfrac{2}{3} &= \cfrac{5}{4}+\cfrac{11}{3}\\\\ &= \cfrac{15}{12} +\frac{44}{12}\\\\ &=\cfrac{59}{12}\\\\ &=4\cfrac{11}{12} \end{aligned}

Fractions, decimals and percentages questions

16. Frank scored 32 out of 40 in a test. What percentage of the questions did Frank answer correctly?

32\%
GCSE Quiz False

40\%
GCSE Quiz False

80\%
GCSE Quiz True

60\%
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{32}{40}=\cfrac{8}{10}=80\%

17. Write 2.35 as an improper fraction.

Give your answer in its simplest form.

\cfrac{47}{20}
GCSE Quiz True

\cfrac{235}{100}
GCSE Quiz False

2 \cfrac{7}{20}
GCSE Quiz False

2 \cfrac{35}{100}
GCSE Quiz False

2.35= \cfrac{235}{100}

 

Simplifying \cfrac{235}{100} gives us \cfrac{47}{20}

 

Ensure you follow the instructions carefully and give your answer as an improper
fraction in its simplest form.

Fractions in KS4 and for GCSE

In KS4, students continue to develop their fluency in using fractions to solve problems and will be required to apply their knowledge of fractions within many different maths topics. GCSE maths papers, from all exam boards (including AQA, Edexcel and OCR) will, almost certainly, contain questions involving fractions.

These may appear as standard procedural questions, such as calculate 2\cfrac{1}{4} \times 3\cfrac{2}{3} \,. It is also likely that there will be questions from other areas of maths, such as algebra, geometry, and probability, which involve fractions.

Take a look at our GCSE maths guides on fractions:


GCSE fraction questions (Foundation)

18. Write these fractions in order of size, starting with the smallest.

 

\cfrac{2}{5} \hspace{.5cm} \cfrac{3}{8} \hspace{.5cm} \cfrac{3}{10} \hspace{.5cm} \cfrac{9}{20}

\cfrac{3}{10} \, , \cfrac{3}{8} \, , \cfrac{9}{20} \, , \cfrac{2}{5}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{3}{10} \, , \cfrac{2}{5} \, , \cfrac{3}{8} \, , \cfrac{9}{20}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{3}{8}\, , \cfrac{2}{5} \, , \cfrac{3}{10} \, , \cfrac{9}{20}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{3}{10} \, , \cfrac{3}{8} \, , \cfrac{2}{5} \, , \cfrac{9}{20}
GCSE Quiz True

\cfrac{2}{5} \, =\cfrac{16}{40}

 

\cfrac{3}{8} \, =\cfrac{15}{40}

 

\cfrac{3}{10} \, =\cfrac{12}{40}

 

\cfrac{9}{20} \, =\cfrac{18}{40}

 

\cfrac{12}{40}, \, \cfrac{15}{40} , \, \cfrac{16}{40}, \, \cfrac{18}{40}

 

\cfrac{3}{10}, \, \cfrac{3}{8} , \, \cfrac{2}{5}, \, \cfrac{9}{20}

19. Work out the perimeter of this rectangle. Give your answer as a mixed number in its simplest form.

 

fraction questions foundation gcse 1

3\cfrac{5}{12}
GCSE Quiz True

1\cfrac{17}{24}
GCSE Quiz False

2\cfrac{8}{11}
GCSE Quiz False

1\cfrac{4}{11}
GCSE Quiz False

\begin{aligned} 1 \cfrac{1}{3} \, + 1 \cfrac{1}{3} \, + \cfrac{3}{8} \, + \cfrac{3}{8} &= \cfrac{4}{3} + \cfrac{4}{3} \, + \cfrac{3}{8} \, +\cfrac{3}{8}\\\\ &=\cfrac{32}{24} \, + \cfrac{32}{24} \, + \cfrac{9}{24} \, +\cfrac{9}{24}\\\\ &=\cfrac{82}{24}\\\\ &= \cfrac{41}{12}\\\\ &=3 \cfrac{5}{12} \end{aligned}

20. Here are the first three terms of a sequence:

\cfrac{2}{3}, \, \cfrac{4}{9}, \, \cfrac{8}{27}

The rule to find the next term in the sequence is multiply by \cfrac{2}{3} \, .

Find the 5th term in the sequence.

\cfrac{2}{3}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{16}{81}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{32}{243}
GCSE Quiz True

\cfrac{64}{729}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{8}{27} \, \times \cfrac{2}{3} = \cfrac{16}{81}

 

\cfrac{16}{81} \, \times \cfrac{2}{3} = \cfrac{32}{243}

GCSE fraction questions (Higher)

21. On a farm, the ratio of white sheep:black sheep is 3 \, \text{:} \, 1.
 
\cfrac{2}{3} \, of the white sheep are ewes. \cfrac{2}{5} \, of the black sheep are ewes.
 
There are 144 ewes on the farm. How many sheep are there on the farm in total?

300
GCSE Quiz False

240
GCSE Quiz True

280
GCSE Quiz False

320
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{3}{4} \, of the sheep are white. \cfrac{2}{3} \, \times \cfrac{3}{4} \, = \cfrac{6}{12} \, of the sheep are white ewes.

 

\cfrac{1}{4} \, of the sheep are black. \cfrac{2}{5} \, \times \cfrac{1}{4} \, = \cfrac{2}{20} \, of the sheep are black ewes.

 

\cfrac{6}{12} \, +\cfrac{2}{20} \, =\cfrac{30}{60} \, +\cfrac{6}{60} \, =\cfrac{36}{60}

 

\cfrac{36}{60} \, of the sheep are ewes.

 

\cfrac{36}{60}=144

 

\cfrac{1}{60} \, =144 \div 36=4

 

\cfrac{60}{60} \, = 4 \times 60=240

22. Write \cfrac{3}{x-2}-\cfrac{5}{x+4} as a single fraction, in its simplest form.

\cfrac{-2x+2}{(x+4)(x-2)}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{-2x+22}{(x+4)(x-2)}
GCSE Quiz True

\cfrac{-2}{(x+4)(x-2)}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{-2x-2}{(x+4)(x-2)}
GCSE Quiz False

\begin{aligned} \cfrac{3}{x-2}\,-\cfrac{5}{x+4} \, &=\cfrac{3(x+4)}{(x+4)(x-2)}\,-\cfrac{5(x-2)}{(x+4)(x-2)}\\\\ &=\cfrac{3x+12-(5x-10)}{(x+4)(x-2)}\\\\ &=\cfrac{-2x+2}{(x+4)(x-2)} \end{aligned}

23. Find the value of \cfrac{ab^{2}}{c} when a=-2, \, b=\cfrac{3}{8} \, and c=\cfrac{1}{4}.

Give your answer in its simplest form.

\cfrac{-9}{128}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{9}{4}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{-9}{4}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{-9}{8}
GCSE Quiz True

\begin{aligned} \cfrac{ab^{2}}{c} \, &=\cfrac{-2 \times (\cfrac{3}{8})^{2}}{\cfrac{1}{4}}\\\\ &=\cfrac{-2 \times \cfrac{9}{64}}{\cfrac{1}{4}}\\\\ &=\cfrac{-\cfrac{18}{64}}{\cfrac{1}{4}}\\\\ &=-\cfrac{18}{64} \, \times \cfrac{4}{1}\\\\ &=-\cfrac{72}{64}\\\\ &=-\cfrac{9}{8} \end{aligned}

24. Express 0.2\dot{8}\dot{1} as a fraction.

\cfrac{281}{990}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{31}{110}
GCSE Quiz True

\cfrac{281}{1000}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{281}{999}
GCSE Quiz False

\begin{aligned} x&=0.281818181…\\\\ 10x&=2.81818181…\\\\ 1000x&=281.818181…\\\\ 990x&=279\\\\ x&=\cfrac{279}{990}\\\\ x&=\cfrac{31}{110} \end{aligned}

Looking for more KS3 and KS4 fraction questions?

These GCSE maths worksheets provide lots more fraction questions with answers included:

More GCSE fraction support

Third Space Learning’s free GCSE maths resource library contains detailed lessons with step-by-step instructions on how to solve fraction problems at secondary, as well as fraction worksheets with practice questions and more GCSE exam questions.


Fraction questions FAQs

What is a fraction of an amount at GCSE?

A fraction of an amount at GCSE is when we are asked to find a certain fraction of an amount, for example \cfrac{3}{5} \, of 20.

To do this, we divide by the denominator and then multiply by the numerator.

20\div 5 = 4

4 \times 3 =12

So \cfrac{3}{5} of 20=12.

What is an example of a fraction?

An example of a fraction is \cfrac{3}{10}. This is read as ‘three tenths’ and means thee out of every ten.

You may see different types of fractions:

Unit fractions have a numerator of 1, for example \cfrac{1}{8} \, .

Proper fractions have a numerator that is smaller than the denominator, for example \cfrac{3}{4} \, .

Improper fractions have a numerator that is greater than the denominator, for example \cfrac{5}{2} \, .

Mixed number fractions (mixed fractions) are made up of a whole number and a fraction, for example 2\cfrac{1}{3} \, .

How to simplify fractions

When pupils learn how to simplify fractions we look for common factors of the numerator and the denominator. If there are common factors, we divide both the numerator and the denominator by the common factor to find an equivalent, simpler fraction. We continue doing this until there are no more common factors.
For example, simplify \cfrac{20}{40} \, .
10 is a common factor of 20 and 40. Dividing both 20 and 40 by 10 gives us \cfrac{2}{4} \, .
2 is a common factor of 2 and 4. Dividing both 2 and 4 by 2 gives us \cfrac{1}{2} \, .

There are no more common factors of 1 and 2, so we cannot simplify any further.

Third Space Learning Upsell Section
DO YOU HAVE PUPILS WHO NEED MORE SUPPORT IN MATHS?

 

Every week Third Space Learning’s specialist primary maths tutors support thousands of students across hundreds of schools with weekly online 1 to 1 maths lessons designed to plug gaps and boost progress.

 

Since 2013 these personalised one to one lessons have helped over 169,000 primary and secondary students become more confident, able mathematicians.

 

Learn about the scaffolded lesson content or request a personalised quote for your school to speak to us about your school’s needs and how we can help.

x

FREE Percentages & Decimals All Kinds of Word Problems (Years 5 & 6)

20+ worded problems to extend your pupils’ reasoning skills using percentages and decimals, from Years 3-6.


10 questions for each year group of ascending difficulty, and a challenge question to stretch pupils beyond the core understanding of percentages and decimals and on to mastery.

Download free