Fifth Grade Math

What your child should know and be able to do...

Throughout the school year, 5th grade students will spend the most time working on the following topics. They should understand them well by the end of the year.

  • Multiplying multi-digit numbers with ease (1,638x753).Dividing multi-digit numbers in cases with a limited number of digits (6,951 ÷ 63 =110 ⅓).

  • Adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators (2 ¼ - 1 ⅓), and solving word problems that include fractions with unlike denominators.

  • Multiplying fractions and mixed numbers, and dividing fractions in special cases. Solving word problems using these operations. (For example, finding the area of a city block that is ⅓ mile long by ⅓ mile wide; finding the size of a share if 9 people share a 50-pound sack of rice equally, or if 3 people share 1.2 pound of chocolate equally)

  • Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing with decimals to the hundredths place (two places after the decimal.)

  • Understanding the concept of volume, and solving word problems that involve volume.

  • Graphing points in the coordinate plane (two dimensions) to solve problems.


Everyday activities to support learning:

  • Reinforce multi-digit multiplication and division practice without the added pressure of time limits by focusing on your child’s accurate and efficient attempts (4,378 x 615)

  • Practice adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators (3 3/10 + 7 2/5 = 10 7/10 because 7 ⅖ is the same as 7 4/10; ⅞ - ¾ = ⅛ because ¾ is the same as 6/8 )

  • Practice multiplication and division with fractions. Begin multiplication practice with fractions and whole numbers, before moving on to multiplying a fraction by a fraction.

  • Encourage a positive mindset about math in the real world. This can be done by exploring concepts like volume. (For example, use a box you have at home and find the volume of that box. This can be a cereal or shoe box.