Fractions Word Problems: Using Fractions for Taxes, Tips, Sales

Here’s a fun, engaging, and visual personal finance lesson for middle grades students in the fourth through six grades.

They can use the math they have been learning in the classroom applied to a real-life scenario: learning how to calculate taxes, tips, and sale discounts.

Math Skills Used

• Equivalent Fractions (especially using a denominator of 100)

• Percentages

• Division (for example, to find a 20% discount, divide by 5)

• Money

• Decimals

• Addition and Subtraction

This guided math lesson includes a clear and concise one-page handout that provides visuals to teach your students how to use fractions to help calculate sale prices, sales taxes, and tips.

Next, the lesson includes three worksheets for your students. These are created to be of increasing levels of challenge. Assign one, two, or all three! Differentiate for your students' specific needs.

1. First students calculate sale prices using fractions by applying simple division.

2. Next they can calculate sale prices using percentages that are easily converted to fractions.

3. Finally, they can practice calculating tips and taxes using simple percentages as well!

A complete answer key is also included.

Grades to Use With:

This lesson is designed for students in grades 4-6 who are learning about fractions, equivalent fractions, simple percentages, ratios, and decimal operations. It could also be appropriate for middle or high school special education classrooms depending on your students' needs.

What's Included:

6-Page that is ready to print and use!

• Teacher Instructions

• Student Handout

• 3-Page Worksheet

• Answer Key

If you find this personal finance lesson useful, check out others in my store:

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