PSLE Fractions & Ratios Worked Examples for 2026/2027 (Singapore MOE Syllabus) — Step-by-Step Worked Examples

Quick answer

When PSLE fraction questions look different from what you've seen, it's normal to feel stuck. Remember, they're just different shapes of the same puzzle. I'll show you how to break down four tricky examples step-by-step, so you won’t freeze up in exams.

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What you need to know

Fractions are parts of a whole. For example, if you cut a cake into eight slices and eat one, you've eaten $\frac{1}{8}$ of the cake. Ratios compare two quantities, like 2:3, meaning for every 2 apples, there are 3 oranges. They're like recipes or directions.

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Understanding Fractions and Ratios

Fractions

Fractions show how many parts of a whole you have. The top number is the numerator (how many parts you have), and the bottom number is the denominator (total parts).

Ratios

Ratios are comparisons. If you see 2:3, it says for every 2 of one thing, there are 3 of another. Like 2 cups of rice to 3 cups of water.

Quick check

1. What is $\frac{3}{4}$ of a pizza?
2. If the ratio of cats to dogs is 1:2, how many dogs are there if you have 3 cats?

Common mistakes students make

• Mixing up numerators and denominators: Remember, the numerator is on top, the denominator is below. Check if you flip them.
• Forgetting to simplify: Always simplify fractions unless the question says not to. $\frac{4}{8}$ becomes $\frac{1}{2}$.
• Incorrect ratio comparison: Ensure the order is right. 2:3 is not the same as 3:2.

Exam tip

In exams, presentation matters. Write your fractions neatly, and always label your answers. If you’re comparing ratios, check the order twice. Time management is key—don't spend too long on one question. Move on and come back if needed.

Worked examples

Question 1

A pizza is cut into 8 slices. You eat 3 slices. What fraction of the pizza did you eat?

Solution

Step 1: Identify the total number of slices (denominator) and the slices eaten (numerator).
Why: This sets up the fraction.

Step 2: Write the fraction: $\frac{3}{8}$.
Why: It shows the part you ate out of the whole pizza.

Step 3: Check if it can be simplified. It can't.
Why: Always check to make sure your answer is in its simplest form.

Question 2

In a class, the ratio of boys to girls is 3:4. If there are 12 boys, how many girls are there?

Solution

Step 1: Set up the ratio 3:4 = 12:x (boys to girls).
Why: This creates an equation to solve for x.

Step 2: Cross-multiply to find x: $3 \times x = 4 \times 12$.
Why: Cross-multiplication helps us find the unknown value.

Step 3: Simplify to solve for x: $3 x = 48 \Rightarrow x = 16$.
Why: Divide by 3 to find the number of girls.

Question 3

You have $\frac{2}{3}$ of a chocolate bar and give $\frac{1}{4}$ of it to a friend. How much do you have left?

Solution

Step 1: Find $\frac{1}{4}$ of $\frac{2}{3}$ by multiplying: $\frac{1}{4} \times \frac{2}{3} = \frac{2}{12}$.
Why: Multiplying fractions finds parts of parts.

Step 2: Simplify $\frac{2}{12}$ to $\frac{1}{6}$.
Why: Simplifying gives the clearest answer.

Step 3: Subtract $\frac{1}{6}$ from $\frac{2}{3}$ by converting to common denominators: $\frac{4}{6} - \frac{1}{6} = \frac{3}{6}$.
Why: Common denominators let you subtract directly.

Step 4: Simplify $\frac{3}{6}$ to $\frac{1}{2}$.
Why: Always simplify for final answers.

Question 4

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A recipe needs a ratio of 5:2 for flour to sugar. If you have 10 cups of flour, how much sugar is needed?

Solution

Step 1: Set the ratio 5:2 = 10:x.
Why: Set up an equation to find the unknown quantity.

Step 2: Cross-multiply: $5 x = 20$.
Why: This eliminates the fraction to solve for x.

Step 3: Solve for x: $x = 4$.
Why: Divide by 5 to find how much sugar you need.

Quick summary

• Fractions are parts of a whole; ratios compare quantities.
• Always simplify fractions unless told otherwise.
• Set up equations for ratios to solve unknowns.
• Cross-multiply to solve ratio problems.
• Practice makes perfect—try daily revisions.

FAQ

Q 1: What is the easiest way to understand fractions?
A: Think of fractions as slices of cake. The denominator is total slices, the numerator is slices you have.

Q 2: How do I solve a fraction subtraction problem?
A: Find a common denominator, then subtract the numerators.

Q 3: How can I remember to simplify fractions?
A: Always check if both numbers can be divided by the same number after every step.

Q 4: What if I mix up ratios?
A: Write the items in the order given—first number matches first item.

Practise with free question sets

Work through more exam-style questions with answers and step-by-step solutions:

• [40+ P 5 Math Fractions Questions for 2026/2027 (Singapore MOE Syllabus)](/questions/p 5-fractions-questions)
• [35+ PSLE Ratio Questions for 2026/2027 (Singapore MOE Syllabus) with Step-by-Step Solutions](/questions/p 6-ratio-questions)
• 35+ PSLE Math Heuristics Questions for 2026/2027 (Singapore MOE Syllabus) Every Student Should Know
• Topic study hub

Want unlimited similar questions with AI marking? [Practise on Tutorly.sg/app](https://www.tutorly.sg/app)

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