5th Grade Math
Fifth-graders learn advanced math. They solve equations to find the volume in 3-D shapes and interpret data from graphs.
Why is math important? You're fifth grader is likely to ask you this question. You can tell them that gravity is impossible to understand without math. Nearly every scientific breakthrough is a result of math. Isaac Newton, the cartoon character who is spoofed for creating the theory on gravity when an apple falls on his face, was actually a mathematician.
The 8 essential math skills your child must master by the fifth grade.
- Use brackets ( ) to write simple mathematical expressions.
- How to round decimals off and work with decimals.
- Addition and Subtraction of Fractions and Mixed Numbers with Different Denominators.
- Divide fractions and multiply them.
- Dividing using two-digit multipliers.
- Converting measurements within a single system.
- Create simple equations and graphs to analyze data, such as the speed and distance travelled.
- Understanding volume by finding the volume for three-dimensional objects.
Basic Equations
Fifth grade math problems are a bit more complex. The equations now have more than one part. You will see your child using symbols to help her understand how to solve equations.
For instance: 3 x (51) + (97) indicates the 51 and 97 must be added before they are multiplied by 3.
Students in fifth grade learn about patterns and graphs by creating tables and graphs that illustrate the relationship between numbers.
Sunshine, Claudine's puppy, runs twice faster than Claudine. Students can demonstrate that they understand this pattern by correctly filling out the missing numbers on the table below.
Base 10 is the key.
Fifth-graders are often working with decimals. This is a way to write fractions in which the denominator will always be a 1, 100, or 1000. Students understand the value of place in whole numbers. The 9 in 429 is placed in the ones position, the 2 in the tens and the 4 in hundreds. The place value decreases by a tenth each time you move rightwards from the decimal place. In the number 1.234 for example, the 2 would be in the tenths, the 3 in the hundredths, and the four in the thousandths. You will teach your child to read, write and expand decimals from tenths to thousandths.
As an example: 726.938= (7100) + (210) + (61) + [9(1/10)]+[3(1/100]+[8(1/1000]
In expanded terms, 726.938= seven hundred twenty five and nineteen thirty-eight millimeters.
You will teach your child to multiply, divide, add and subtract decimals up to hundredths. After they arrive at the correct answer, it's common to ask them to round to one, tenths or hundredths.
For Example:.487 is rounded off to the hundredths or tenths places, respectively.
This year, division is a bit more complex. Fifth-graders divide two-digit whole numbers by four-digit whole numbers to get decimals, remainders or other answers.
For example, 1,610 / 80 is 20 R1 or 20,125.
Enjoy fractions
In fourth-grade, your child will have mastered finding the common denominators for fractions. This year's fifth graders can use their skills to add or subtract fractions.
Example: 4 4/5 + 3 2/3 = 3 10/15 – 4 12/15 = 1 2/15.
It is also expected that your child solves word problems with fractions, mixed numbers and different denominators.
Two pies are present. Mary eats 5/8 and Jack 1/3. What is the remaining pie? For this question, your fifth-grader will have to find the denominator between eight and three. Then, they'll add up the fractions. Finally, they'll subtract how much of the pie was eaten from the total.
Fifth-graders learn to multiply fractions by whole numbers, such as 1/2 x 3/4, and fractions by fractions. Students need to know why the product always comes out smaller when multiplying two fractions, like 1/2 x 1/2 and 1/3 x 12.
Example: 2 x 3 = 2/3 x 4/3 = 11/3 (11/3 is less than 2)
Turning over fractions
Students will learn to divide fractions by whole numbers, which isn't as easy as it may seem. When you divide 8 by 1/ 2 it is actually asking how much 1/ 2 will fit in 8. Answer: 16. Dividing 1/ 2 with 8 is a question about how to divide 1/ 2 into eight equal fractions. This is 1/ 16.
As an example:
Eight divided by one-half is equal to eight divided by one multiplied by two divided by one, which is equal to sixteen.
The result of 1 divided by 2 divided by 8 is equal to 1 divided by 2 multiplied by 1 divided by 8, which equals 1 divided by 16.
Measure for Measure
Fifth grade measurement is about converting from one system to another and solving word problems using the conversions.
Matthew requests 7 ounces milk. Adriana requests a cup milk. Who gets more milk?
Jonathan, for example, can run a kilometer in just 11 minutes. Carol is able to run 3 meters in a second. Who can run faster?
Students must also solve fraction problems and display them on line plots.
For instance, Marisa surveys her class about the number of hours they read each week. She then plots these results on a graph.
Volume up
Fifth graders can improve their volume understanding by measuring different three dimensional shapes. Students are taught the formula to calculate the volume for a rectangular shape. They learn this formula in fourth grade. Also, kids learn how to calculate the volume of a right-angled prism using the following formula: V (volume = B (area) xH for a straight rectangular prism.
To motivate your fifth-grader, remind her that math allows us to answer many questions. That includes the amount of chocolate fudge that she will get when she shares a 1/2 box of fudge with you and a sibling.
View our video to see how fifth graders do with fractions of different denominators when adding and removing fractions.
