The temperature is −3°C and rises 7°C. What is the new temperature?
- A rise is a positive change: −3 + 7.
- Move 3 degrees to zero, then 4 more above it.
Answer: 4°C
Rational Number Word Problems Worksheets
Model temperature changes, account balances and shared quantities with signed fractions and decimals.
Learn the skill
Solving rational-number word problems
Rational numbers include integers, fractions, and terminating or repeating decimals. In a story problem, choose what positive and negative mean, represent the change with an operation, and interpret the result in context.
A method you can use
- Identify the starting value, the change, and the quantity being asked for.
- Write an equation with signs and consistent units before calculating.
- Check whether the result fits the story; distinguish a signed position from a positive distance.
Worked examples
A balance is $12.50. A $16.75 charge is applied. What is the new balance?
- A charge decreases the balance: 12.50 − 16.75.
- The charge exceeds the balance by 4.25.
Answer: −$4.25
A diver is at −2.5 m and descends another 1.75 m. What is the new position?
- Descending is a negative change: −2.5 + (−1.75).
- Add the magnitudes and retain the negative sign.
Answer: −4.25 m
Try it yourself
Solve these before opening the answers. The printable sets below give you more practice.
1. A temperature of −6°C rises by 9°C. Find the new temperature.
Show answer and explanation
3°C
−6 + 9 = 3.
2. A balance of $5 decreases by $8.50. Find the new balance.
Show answer and explanation
−$3.50
5 − 8.50 = −3.50, representing a debt of $3.50.
Before you begin
Read signed numbers and fractions; recall multiplication and division facts.
Choose your level
- Easy: Use small numbers and familiar denominators.
- Medium: Use larger numbers and mixed representations.
- Hard: Combine signed quantities or work backwards from a result.
Questions and answer calculations checked on 2026-09-17. How we check worksheets. Free for personal and classroom use.
Preview and print an easy set
Try six questions below, or choose a full set at your level.
1
At dawn the temperature is -2°C. It rises by 2°C. What is the new temperature?
2
An account balance is $5.5. A $6 charge is made. What is the signed balance after the charge?
3
12 liters of juice are shared equally among 4 people. How many liters does each person receive? Give an exact fraction if needed.
4
At dawn the temperature is -2°C. It rises by 2.25°C. What is the new temperature?
5
An account balance is $5.2. A $6.2 charge is made. What is the signed balance after the charge?
6
5.2 liters of juice are shared equally among 4 people. How many liters does each person receive? Give an exact fraction if needed.
Answer Key
1. 0 °C2. -1/2 dollars3. 3 liters4. 1/4 °C5. -1 dollars6. 13/10 liters