11+ Maths: Fractions, Decimals & Percentages: Word Problems
26 October 2026
Understanding word problems
Word problems with fractions, decimals and percentages are a key part of the 11+ maths exam. They test your child's ability to apply mathematical knowledge to real-life situations.
Why these skills matter
Solving these problems helps children connect numbers to real contexts, such as sharing, measuring or comparing quantities. This builds flexible thinking and confidence for the 11+ and beyond.
Common challenges
Children often find it tricky to spot which operation to use or how to convert between fractions, decimals and percentages. Practising step-by-step methods can make these questions much more approachable.
Key insight: Break it down
Encourage your child to read the problem carefully, underline key information, and decide what is being asked. Converting all values to the same form before calculating can prevent mistakes.
Practical support at home
Work through one word problem at a time. Ask your child to explain their thinking out loud. This helps them clarify each step and spot errors early.
Worked example
A bottle contains 1.2 litres of juice. Sam drinks 1/4 of the juice. How many litres are left?
Step 1: Find out how much Sam drinks. 1/4 of 1.2 litres = 1.2 ÷ 4 = 0.3 litres.
Step 2: Subtract the amount Sam drinks from the total. 1.2 - 0.3 = 0.9 litres.
The correct answer is 0.9 litres left in the bottle.
