grade 5 problem solving math

• 5th Grade Math
• Problem solving

5th Grade math problems worksheets with answers: Practice makes perfect

If you have a 5th grader who loves solving math all the time or needs some motivation and extra practice to perfect their problem-solving skills in math, you've come to the right place! This article will offer you outstanding 5th Grade math problems worksheets with answer s fit to challenge even the most savvy math whiz.

Solving 5th Grade math problems: Worksheets with step-by-step answers

Get ready to make math a thrilling adventure for your 5 th graders with a range of fun and easy solving 5th Grade math problems . These worksheets are given with step-by-step answers sheets guide, helpful in assessing student performance and solving skills quickly.

These exciting 5th Grade math problems worksheets with answers cover topics such as addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions and decimals, geometry and measurement, data and probability, and more.

In addition to the types of worksheets, this article will give you 10 awesome math problems for 5th grade with solutions and tips and tell you how to use math problems worksheets to prepare for tests and assessments. And finally, we'll point you to some of the best free and paid resources where you can find more math problems worksheets for 5th grade. Ready to dive in? Let's go!

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Download free worksheets, 5th grade math topics.

• Number sense
• Addition and subtraction

Multiplication

• Number theory
• Add & subtract decimals
• Multiply decimals
• Divide decimals
• Fractions & mixed numbers
• Add & subtract fractions
• Multiply fractions
• Divide fractions
• Mixed operations
• Problems solving
• Ratios and rates
• Percentages
• Number sequences
• Coordinate graph
• Variable expressions
• Data and Graphs
• Probability and statistics
• Telling time
• Unit of measurements
• Triangles & quadrilaterals
• Symmetry & transformations
• Geometric measurements

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How to make math fun and engaging for your 5th grader.

Math can be challenging for many students, especially as they advance to higher grades and encounter more complex concepts and operations. Some students may feel bored, frustrated, or anxious about math and lose interest or confidence in their abilities. That's why it's important to make math fun and engaging for your 5th grader and to show them that math is practical, enjoyable, and rewarding.

Here are some tips on how to make math fun and engaging for your 5th grader

• Use games, puzzles, riddles, and brainteasers to stimulate your child's curiosity and creativity . Games can help your child develop logical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic skills and reinforce essential math facts and operations. You can find many online games suitable for 5th graders or create your games using cards, dice, dominoes, or other materials.

You can also ask your child questions that require them to use math skills or concepts, such as "How much change will we get if we buy this item?" or "How long will it take us to drive to this destination?"

You can help your child discover the connections between math and their hobbies or passions by exposing them to books, videos, websites, podcasts, or other resources that showcase the beauty and diversity of math.

• Praise your child's efforts and achievements in math . Math can be challenging sometimes, but it can also be very satisfying when your child solves a problem or learns a new concept. You can boost your child's confidence and motivation by acknowledging their hard work and progress in math and celebrating their successes. You can also encourage your child to set goals for themselves in math and to track their improvement over time.

The benefits of using worksheets to practice and reinforce math skills

One of the best ways to make math fun and engaging for your 5th grader is to use worksheets to practice and reinforce math skills. Worksheets are practical tools for learning and reviewing math concepts and operations. Also, they are versatile, flexible, and customizable. You can use worksheets to supplement your child's school curriculum or homework assignments and worksheets as independent practice or enrichment activities.

Here are some of the benefits of using worksheets to practice and reinforce math skills :

• Worksheets provide structured and organized practice for your child . Worksheets help your child focus on specific topics or skills they need to master or improve in math. Worksheets also provide clear instructions, examples, and feedback for your child.
• Worksheets offer variety and challenges for your child . Worksheets can include questions or tasks requiring your child to apply their knowledge or skills differently. Worksheets can also vary in difficulty level, so you can choose the ones that suit your child's needs or goals.
• Worksheets allow your child to work at their own pace and level . Worksheets give your child the freedom and flexibility to work on math problems whenever needed. Worksheets allow your child to work at their own pace and level; they can skip or repeat questions.
• Worksheets foster self-reliance and independence for your child . Worksheets encourage your child to take responsibility for their learning in math. Worksheets also foster self-reliance and independence for your child; they can check their answers using the answer keys provided or the hints or tips in some worksheets.

Discover Mathskills4kids.com 5th Grade math problems worksheets with answers

If you're looking for high-quality, engaging, and challenging math problems worksheets for 5th graders, you've come to the right place! At Mathskills4kids.com , we have created a collection of 5th Grade math problems worksheets with answers covering all the major topics and skills your child needs to know and practice in grade.

Mathskills4kids’ math problems worksheets are designed to help your child develop and improve their math skills and prepare them for tests and assessments. These math problems worksheets are also aligned with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, so you can be sure your child is learning the right content and skills for their grade level.

Mathskills4kids math problems worksheets for 5th graders include the following topics:

• Addition and Subtraction Word Problems
• Multiplication and Division Word Problems
• Fractions and Decimals Word Problems
• Geometry and Measurement Word Problems
• Data and Probability Word Problems

Each topic has several worksheets that contain different types of word problems requiring your child to use different strategies or methods to solve them. Some word problems are simple; others are more complex and multi-step. Some word problems are realistic and relatable; others are more abstract or creative. Some word problems are easy and familiar; others are more difficult and novel. The word problems challenge your child's thinking and reasoning skills and test their understanding and application of math concepts and operations.

Also, each worksheet has an answer key showing the correct solution and explanation for each problem. Some worksheets also include hints or tips that provide additional guidance or support for your child. You can use these hints or tips to help your child if they get stuck or need a clue.

Addition and subtraction word problems

Addition and subtraction are two of the most basic and essential math skills your child needs to master in 5th grade. Addition and subtraction are used to perform calculations with whole numbers, decimals, or fractions and to solve various word problems involving adding or subtracting quantities, distances, times, money, etc.

In 5th grade, your child is expected to be able to add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers, decimals up to thousandths, and fractions with unlike denominators. Your child is also expected to be able to solve word problems that involve addition and subtraction of these types of numbers, using different strategies such as estimation, rounding, regrouping, decomposing, or using properties of operations.

To help your child practice and reinforce their addition and subtraction skills, we have created several worksheets that contain different types of addition and subtraction word problems .

Below are some examples of addition and subtraction word problems:

• Alice has 3,456 stickers in her collection. She buys 2 more packs of stickers, each containing 128 stickers. How many stickers does Alice have in total?
• Ben has $45.67 in his bank account. He withdraws $12.50 to buy a gift for his friend. How much money does Ben have left in his account?
• Cindy has 2/3 of a pizza left over from lunch. She eats another 1/6 of a pizza for dinner. How much pizza does Cindy have left?
• David ran 7.5 miles on Monday. He ran 2.25 miles less on Tuesday than on Monday. How many miles did David run on Tuesday?

Multiplication and division word problems

One of the most important math skills that your 5th grader needs to master is solving word problems involving multiplication and division. These problems require them to apply their knowledge of the four operations and their understanding of place value, factors, multiples, and patterns. They will also use logical reasoning and critical thinking to find the best strategy to solve each problem.

To help your 5th grader practice and improve their multiplication and division word problem skills, we have created a set of worksheets that cover a variety of scenarios and situations. Each worksheet has 10 problems, including one-step and multi-step problems and problems with remainders. The worksheets also include answer keys with detailed explanations and tips on how to solve each problem.

Fractions and decimals word problems

Another key topic your 5th grader needs to master is solving word problems involving fractions and decimals. These problems require them to apply their knowledge of equivalent fractions, simplifying fractions, comparing fractions, adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and decimals, and converting between fractions and decimals. They will also use estimation and rounding skills, proportional reasoning, and problem-solving strategies.

To help your 5th grader practice and improve their fractions and decimals word problem skills, we have created a set of worksheets that cover a variety of scenarios and situations. Each worksheet has 10 problems, including one-step and multi-step problems and problems with mixed numbers and improper fractions. The worksheets also include answer keys with detailed explanations and tips on how to solve each problem.

Geometry and measurement word problems

Another essential topic your 5th grader needs to master is solving word problems involving geometry and measurement. These problems require them to apply their knowledge of angles, polygons, circles, area, perimeter, volume, surface area, units of measurement, conversions, and coordinate grids. They will use spatial reasoning, geometric reasoning, and algebraic thinking skills to solve these problems.

To help your 5th grader practice and improve their geometry and measurement word problem skills, we have created a set of worksheets that cover a variety of scenarios and situations. Each worksheet has 10 problems, including one-step and multi-step problems and problems with diagrams and graphs. The worksheets also include answer keys with detailed explanations and tips on how to solve each problem.

Data and probability word problems

Another fun topic your 5th grader needs to master is solving word problems involving data and probability. These problems require them to apply their knowledge of mean, median, mode, range, graphs, tables, charts, surveys, experiments, outcomes, events, probability models, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and rates. They will also use statistical reasoning and inferential thinking skills to analyze data and make predictions.

To help your 5th grader practice and improve their data and probability word problem skills, we have created a set of worksheets that cover a variety of scenarios and situations. Each worksheet has 10 problems, including one-step and multi-step problems and problems with graphs, tables, charts, and diagrams. The worksheets also include answer keys with detailed explanations and tips on how to solve each problem.

10 Awesome math problems for 5th Grade with solutions and tips

To give you a taste of our math problem worksheets for 5th grade, we have selected some of the most awesome math problems from each topic for you to try. These are not your typical math problems, but rather challenging and fun problems that will make your 5th grader think outside the box and use their creativity and logic to solve them. We have also provided the solutions and tips for each problem, so you can check your answers and learn from your mistakes.

Are you ready to take on these excellent math problems?

1. Multiplication Word Problem

Amanda has 12 boxes of chocolates. Each box has 24 pieces of chocolate. She wants to share them equally among her 18 friends. How many pieces of chocolate will each friend get?

Solution : To solve this problem, we need to multiply 12 by 24 to find Amanda's total number of pieces of chocolate. Then, we need to divide that number by 18 to find how many pieces of chocolate each friend will get.

12 x 24 = 288

288 ÷ 18 = 16

Therefore, each friend will get 16 pieces of chocolate.

Tip : To check your answer, reverse the operation and multiply 16 by 18 to see if you get back to 288.

2. Division Word Problem

A school bus can carry 48 students. 216 students are going on a field trip. How many buses will transport all the students?

Solution : To solve this problem, we will divide 216 by 48 to find how many buses are needed to transport all the students.

216 ÷ 48 = 4.5

However, we cannot have half a bus, so we must round up to the following number.

Therefore, 5 buses will transport all the students.

Tip : To check your answer, reverse the operation and multiply 5 by 48 to see if you get more than or equal to 216.

3. Fractions Word Problem

A recipe for a cake requires 3/4 cup of sugar. If you want to make one-third of the recipe, how much sugar do you need?

Solution : To solve this problem, we will multiply 3/4 by 1/3 to find how much sugar we need for half of the recipe.

3/4 x 1/3 = 3/12

Therefore, we need 3/12 cup of sugar for half of the recipe.

Tip : To simplify fractions, you can divide the numerator and the denominator by a common factor. For example, 3/12 can be simplified by dividing both by 3, which gives us 1/4.

4. Decimals Word Problem

A pizza costs $12.50 and has 8 slices. If you eat 3 slices, what fraction of the pizza did you eat? What percentage of the pizza did you eat? How much did you pay for the slices that you ate?

Solution : To solve this problem, we will find the fraction, percentage, and cost of the slices we ate.

To find the fraction, we will divide the number of slices we ate by the total number of slices in the pizza.

3 ÷ 8 = 3/8

Therefore, we ate 3/8 of the pizza.

To find the percentage, we will convert the fraction to a decimal and then multiply by 100.

3/8 = 0.375

0.375 x 100 = 37.5%

Therefore, we ate 37.5% of the pizza.

To find the cost per slice, we will divide the price of the pizza by the total number of slices in the pizza. Then, we will multiply that by the number of slices we ate.

12.50 ÷ 8 = 1.5625

1.5625 x 3 = 4.6875

Therefore, we paid $4.6875 for the slices that we ate.

Tip : To convert a fraction to a decimal, divide the numerator by the denominator. For example, 3/8 = 3 ÷ 8 = 0.375

5. Fraction of a whole word problem

A pizza is cut into 12 equal slices. Amy eats 3 slices, Ben eats 2, and Chris eats 4. What fraction of the pizza is left? How many slices are left?

Solution : To find the fraction of the pizza left, we will subtract the fractions that Amy, Ben, and Chris ate from the whole pizza. The whole pizza is 12/12 or 1. Amy ate 3/12, Ben ate 2/12, and Chris ate 4/12. So, we have:

1 - (3/12 + 2/12 + 4/12) = 1 - (9/12) = 1 - (3/4) = 1/4

So, the fraction of the pizza that is left is 1/4. To find how many slices are left, we can multiply the fraction by the total number of slices:

1/4 x 12 = 3

So, there are 3 slices left.

Tip : To subtract fractions with the same denominator, subtract the numerators and keep the denominator. To subtract fractions with different denominators, you must first find a common denominator.

6. Probability word problem

A bag contains 20 marbles: 8 red, 6 blue, and 6 green. What is the probability of randomly picking a red marble from the bag? What is the probability of picking a blue or a green marble?

Solution : To find the probability of an event, we need to divide the number of favorable outcomes by the total number of possible outcomes. In this case, the total number of possible outcomes is the number of marbles in the bag, which is 20. The number of favorable outcomes for picking a red marble is the number of red marbles in the bag, which is 8. So, we have:

P (red) = 8/20 = 2/5

So, the probability of picking a red marble is 2/5. To find the probability of picking a blue or green marble, we need to add the probabilities of picking a blue marble and a green marble. The number of favorable outcomes for picking a blue marble is the number of blue marbles in the bag, which is 6. The number of favorable outcomes for picking a green marble is also 6. So, we have:

P (blue) = 6/20 = 3/10

P (green) = 6/20 = 3/10

P (blue or green) = P (blue) + P (green) = 3/10 + 3/10 = 6/10 = 3/5

So, the probability of picking a blue or a green marble is 3/5.

Tip : To add fractions with the same denominator, add the numerators and keep the denominator. To add fractions with different denominators, you must first find a common denominator.

7. Geometry and measurement word problem

A rectangular prism has a length of 10 cm, a width of 6 cm, and a height of 4 cm. What is its volume? What is its surface area?

Solution: The volume of a rectangular prism is given by the formula: length × width × height. In this case, the length is 10 cm, the width is 6 cm, and the height is 4 cm. Therefore, the volume of the rectangular prism is:

10 cm × 6 cm × 4 cm = 240 cm³

The surface area of a rectangular prism can be calculated using the formula: 2lw + 2lh + 2wh, where l is length, w is width, and h, is height. In this case, we have:

2(10 cm × 6 cm) + 2(10 cm × 4 cm) + 2(6 cm × 4 cm) = 248 cm²

Therefore, the volume of the rectangular prism is  240 cubic centimeters , and its surface area is  248 square centimeters .

8. Addition and Subtraction Word Problem

Lucy has 12 red apples and 8 green apples in her basket. She gives 5 red apples and 3 green apples to her friend Amy. How many apples does Lucy have left in her basket?

Solution: To solve this problem, we need to use addition and subtraction. First, we need to find out how many apples Lucy had before giving some to Amy. We can do this by adding the number of red apples and the number of green apples:

12 + 8 = 20

Lucy had 20 apples in total.

Next, we will determine how many apples Lucy gave Amy in total. We can do this by adding the number of red apples and the number of green apples that she gave:

Lucy gave 8 apples to Amy.

Finally, we will find out how many apples Lucy has left in her basket. We can do this by subtracting the number of apples that she gave from the number of apples that she had:

20 - 8 = 12

Lucy has 12 apples left in her basket.

Tip : When solving word problems involving addition and subtraction, it helps to identify the keywords that indicate what operation to use. For example, words like "in total," "altogether," "combined," or "sum" indicate addition, while words like "left," "remain," "difference," or "take away" indicate subtraction.

9. Multiplication and Division Word Problem

A pack of pencils contains 12 pencils. How many packs of pencils are needed to supply a class of 30 students if each student needs 2 pencils?

Solution: To solve this problem, we will use multiplication and division. First, we will determine how many pencils are needed for the class. We can do this by multiplying the number of students by the number of pencils per student:

30 x 2 = 60

The class needs 60 pencils in total.

Next, we will determine how many packs are needed to provide 60 pencils. We can do this by dividing the number of pencils by the number of pencils per pack:

60 ÷ 12 = 5

The class needs 5 packs of pencils.

Tip : When solving word problems involving multiplication and division, it helps to identify the keywords that indicate what operation to use. For example, words like "each," "per," "every," or "times" indicate multiplication, while words like "how many,” "groups," "quotient," or "divide" indicate division.

10. Fractions and Decimals Word Problem

A pizza is cut into 8 equal slices. John eats 3 slices, Mary eats 2 slices, and Tom eats 1 slice. What fraction of the pizza is left? What decimal number is equivalent to this fraction?

Solution : To solve this problem, we will use fractions and decimals. First, we will find out how many slices of pizza are left. We can do this by subtracting the number of slices that were eaten from the total number of slices:

8 - (3 + 2 + 1) = 8 - 6 = 2

There are 2 slices of pizza left.

Next, we will find out what fraction of the pizza is left. We can do this by writing the number of slices left as the numerator and the total number of slices as the denominator:

This fraction represents the part of the pizza that is left.

Finally, we will determine what decimal number is equivalent to this fraction. We can do this by dividing the numerator by the denominator:

2 ÷ 8 = 0.25

This decimal number represents the same part of the pizza that is left.

Tip : When solving word problems involving fractions and decimals, it helps to remember that fractions and decimals are different ways of representing parts of a whole.

To convert a fraction to a decimal, you can divide the numerator by the denominator.

To convert a decimal to a fraction, write the decimal as a numerator over a denominator of a power of ten (such as 10, 100, or 1000) and simplify if possible.

How to use 5 th Grade math problems worksheets with answers to prepare for tests and assessments

5 th Grade math problems worksheets are great tools to help students prepare for tests and assessments . They can help students review their learned topics, practice their skills and strategies, and identify their strengths and weaknesses. Here are some tips on how to use math problems worksheets effectively:

• Choose the worksheets matching your student's grade level and the topics they will study . You can find many free and paid resources online.
• Set a goal for each worksheet , such as how many problems you want kids to solve, how much time you want them to spend, or what score you want them to achieve.
• Read the instructions carefully and ask your learners to follow them . They can ask you for help if they are unsure what to do.
• Tell your 5 th graders to show their work and explain their reasoning for each problem . This will help students to check their answers and understand their mistakes.
• Use a calculator only when allowed or necessary . Encourage your 5 th Grade students to do mental math or use paper and pencil whenever possible.
• Check your learner's answers with the answer key or a reliable source . If your students got a problem wrong, try to figure out why and how to fix it.
• Keep track of learner progress and results . You can use a notebook, a spreadsheet, or an online tool to record the worksheets your learners have completed, the problems they have solved, the time they have spent, and the scores they have obtained.
• Review students' work and feedback regularly . Look for patterns in students' errors, such as common mistakes, misconceptions, or gaps. Focus on improving the areas that they need to work on.
• Celebrate their achievements and reward them . Recognize learners’ efforts and accomplishments, and treat them with something they enjoy, such as a snack, a game, or a break.

Where to find more 5th Grade math problems worksheets

If you are looking for more 5 th Grade math problems worksheets , you are in luck! Many websites offer students, teachers, and parents free and paid resources. Here are some of the best ones that we recommend:

• [Math Worksheets 4 Kids]( https://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/ .) - This website has thousands of free printable math worksheets for various topics and grade levels. You can also customize the worksheets according to your preferences and needs.
• [Math-Drills]( https://www.math-drills.com/ .) - This website has over 50,000 free math worksheets covering basic skills, operations, and math concepts. You can also download the worksheets as PDF files or print them directly from the website.
• [K5 Learning]( https://www.k5learning.com/ .) - This website offers free math worksheets, online lessons, quizzes, and kindergarten to grade 5 games. You can also sign up for a free trial or a paid subscription to access more features and resources.
• [Math-Aids]( https://www.math-aids.com/ .) - This website provides free math worksheets that are dynamically generated, meaning that you can create different versions of the same worksheet with different numbers and problems. You can also choose the worksheets' difficulty level, format, and layout.
• [Education. Com]( https://www.education.com/worksheets/math/ .) - This website has an extensive collection of free and premium math worksheets for preschool to grade 5. You can also find other educational resources such as games, activities, lesson plans, and articles.

Thank you for sharing the links of MathSkills4Kids.com with your loved ones. Your choice is greatly appreciated.

Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect

Math problems worksheets are excellent ways to practice and improve 5 th graders' math skills and problem-solving abilities. They can help kids review what they have learned, reinforce their knowledge, and challenge what they can do.

These worksheets can also prepare students for tests and assessments and boost their confidence and interest in math.

The key is to use them regularly and effectively. Choose the worksheets that suit your student's level and goals, follow the instructions and tips, Encourage them to show their work and check their answers, keep track of their progress and results, review their work and feedback, and celebrate their achievements.

Remember: practice makes perfect ! The more your students practice, the better they will become. So grab some math problems worksheets today and start solving them with your 5 th graders! They'll be amazed by how much fun and rewarding math can be!

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35 math problems for 5th graders

Here are 35 fifth-grade math problems that will help your child stay on track!

Author Amber Watkins

Published September 13, 2023

• Key takeaways
• 5th-grade math word problems help students apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios.
• In fifth-grade math, it’s important to master fractions, decimals, and order of operations.
• Hard problems for 5th graders can be simplified by drawing a picture or using a method that makes them easier to solve.

Table of contents

• Word problems

Numbers & place value

• Multiplication

If this math page has 5 sections of math problems for 5th graders with an average of 7 questions in each section, can you guess how many problems there will be in all? That’s right, there will be a total of 35 math problems for 5th graders for us to practice. Without realizing it, you just solved one of our first 5th-grade math word problems . Excellent work! Together we will review fifth-grade math problems with decimals, fractions, order of operations, and rounding. We will even consider hard math problems for 5th graders, like multiplying using square models and number lines. Don’t worry about getting the answers right the first time, each section includes math problems for 5th graders with answers if you need a sneak peek. So grab a pad and pencil and let’s begin.

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Select a year group

• Kindergarten

Measurement and data

Sample questions, word problems for 5th graders.

Let’s begin by covering math word problems for 5th graders.

Mia’s water bottle can hold 24 ounces of water. She drinks two full water bottles each day. How many total cups of water does Mia drink each day? [Conversions]

The playground is made up of four rectangular lots that are each 10 ft by 7 ft. What is the total area of the playground? [Finding area]

 Josh lives 2.5 miles away from the park. Josh rides his bike to the park and back home four days a week. How many miles does Josh ride his bike each week? [Calculations]

Place value

In this section, we will cover math problems for 5th graders that use place values, word form to standard form, standard form to word form, and expanded form.

Which digit in the number 245 is in the hundreds place?

Which digit in the number 4,602 is in the tens place?

Which digit in the number 752 is in the ones place?

Word form to standard form

Standard form to expanded form.

4,000 + 300 + 2 = 4,302

600 + 50 + 4 = 654

20,000 + 2,000 + 300 + 60 + 5 = 22,365

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In this section, we will cover fifth-grade math problems that include comparing decimals and rounding decimals to the nearest tenth, hundredth, and thousandths place. Let’s get started.

8.9 and 8.900 are the same.

Remember if the number to the right is 5 or larger, you can borrow and become one digit larger. If the number to the right is between 0 and 4, you can’t borrow and the number remains the same.

In this section, we will review math problems for fifth graders that cover the topics of adding and subtracting two and three-digit numbers using transformation, division using area models, and the order of operations .

Adding and subtracting whole numbers by transformation

A large portion of fifth-grade math problems can be made easier to solve by transformation or changing numbers to make the problem simpler. Let’s practice adding and subtracting two and three-digit numbers by transformation.

How to add numbers using transformation?

When adding or subtracting numbers, look for ways to round to make the problem simpler. Don’t forget what you do to one number, you have to do the opposite to the other. This makes sure the problem stays balanced. Let’s see how this is done. What is 48 + 52? 48 + 2 = 50

52 – 2 = 50 

50 + 50 = 100.

It may be difficult to add 48 + 52 in your head, so we round 48 to 50 by adding 2. Since we added 2 to the first number, we have to make sure to subtract 2 from the second number. So now the problem is 50 plus 50, which is much easier to calculate! 

32 – 2 = 30 68 + 2 = 70 30 + 70 = 100 The answer is 100.

208 – 8 = 200 432 + 8 = 440 200 + 440 = 640 The answer is 640.

321- 1 = 320 199 + 1 = 200 320 – 200 = 120 120 + 2 = 122 The answer is 122

Division using area models

Don’t know what an area model is? See our area model guide to help with these problems.

Using an area model find the quotient of 365 ፥ 5 =

Using an area model find the quotient of 504 ፥ 6 =

Using the area model below, find the quotient of 872 ፥ 2 =

Order of operations

Many people remember the Order of Operations with the acronym PEMDAS- “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally”, with each letter representing an operation: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiply or Divide, Add or Subtract. Solve the following equations using the order of operations.

Hard multiplication math problems

Some of the hardest math problems for fifth graders involve multiplying: multiplying using square models, multiplying fractions and whole numbers using expanded form, and multiplying fractions using number lines. Let’s practice a few of each!

Multiplying using square models

Multiplying using square models is a method to help students “see” multiplication problems in a simpler way.

Multiply 42 x 35 using the square model below.

Multiply 55 x 76 using the square model below.

Multiply 98 x 42 using the square model below.

Multiplying fractions and whole numbers using expanded form

Multiply ½ x 5 using expanded form.

Multiply ⅔ x 6 using expanded form.

Multiply ⅙ x 7 using expanded form.

Multiplying fractions using a number line

Multiply ½ x 4/6 by using a number line.

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Word problem answer sheet

Mia drinks 6 cups of water each day. Explanation: There are 8 ounces in each cup. So 24 divided by 8 is equal to 3 cups each day.

280 square feet. Explanation: The area of one lot is 10 x 7 = 70 square feet. Take that area and times it by four, so 70 x 4 = 280 square feet.

Josh rides 20 miles on his bike each week. Explanation: Each day Josh rides 5 total miles: 2.5 miles to the park and 2.5 miles back home. If we multiply that number by 4 days a week, it equals 20 miles in all.

Writing numbers answer sheet

2 is in the hundreds place.

0 is in the tens place.

2 is in the ones place.

Division using area models answer sheet

Multiplying using square models answer sheet

Multiplying fractions and whole numbers using expanded form answer sheet

Multiplying fractions using a number line answer sheet

Explanation – First divide the number line into 6 equal parts and draw up a line up to 4/6. Then find the ½ way mark of that line you drew up to 4/6. You will now see the line is divided into three parts. So the answer would be ⅓. 

Lesson credits

Amber Watkins

Amber is an education specialist with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has over 12 years of experience teaching and tutoring elementary through college level math. "Knowing that my work in math education makes such an impact leaves me with an indescribable feeling of pride and joy!"

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5th Grade Math Word Problems Real-Life Problems

Welcome to our 5th Grade Math Word Problems page. Here you will find our range of Fifth Grade Math Problem Worksheets which will help your child apply and practice their Math skills to solve a range of 'real life' problems.

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5th Grade Math Word Problems

Here you will find a range of problem solving worksheets.

The sheets involve using a range of math skills and knowledge to solve problems.

Each problem sheet is available in both standard and metric units (where appropriate), and come complete with an answer sheet.

The sheets in this section have all come from 'real life' data such as mountains, rivers or space. Children will be able to apply their math to solve and answer 'real' problems.

Using these sheets will help your child to:

• apply their addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills;
• apply their knowledge of rounding and place value;
• solve a range of 'real life' problems.

5th Grade Word Problems

The 7 longest rivers.

The 7 longest rivers involves adding and subtracting numbers in the thousands, and also place value and ordering numbers to 10,000.

• 7 Longest Rivers metric units
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On the Mountains

On the mountains involves addition and subtraction of numbers to 5 digits, and also rounding and ordering numbers to 10,000 (metric) or 100,000 (standard).

• On the Mountains metric units
• On the Mountains standard units

Temperatures around the world

This problem worksheet involves ordering positive and negative numbers, as well as working out differences between positive and negative numbers. The mean and median temperatures also need to be calculated.

• Temperatures Around the World 3 (Celsius)
• Temperatures Around the World 3 (Fahrenheit)

The Solar System

The Solar System worksheets involves doubling numbers and rounding to the nearest 1000. Addition and subtraction of large numbers to 5 digits, ordering large numbers and approximation are also tackled.

• The Solar System (Metric units)
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US National Parks

This 5th grade math word problem sheet involves addition and subtraction of large numbers to 5 digits, place value and ordering. Approximation and multiplication are also used.

• US National Parks (metric units)
• US National Parks (standard units)

Salamanders of the Caribbean Problems

This problem sheet involves rounding and ordering BIG numbers up to 12 million to the nearest 1000, as well as addition and subtraction of the numbers.

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Nearest Stars

This problem sheet involves rounding decimals to the nearest whole number, as well as ordering decimals to 2 decimal places. Adding and subtracting decimals, and doubling decimals are also used.

• Nearest stars

Whales Problems

This worksheet involves ordering decimals to 1 or 2dp, as well as ordering large numbers. Addition and subtraction of large numbers and decimals is also used, as well as approximation and multiplication.

• Whale problems metric units
• Whale problems standard units

More Recommended Math Worksheets

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Ratio Problems

Here you will find a selection of ratio problem sheets which will help your child practice and apply their ratio knowledge and skills to solve a range of problems.

Looking for some easier word problems?

If you are looking for some easier math problems, why not try our 4th grade math problem page.

The problems on this page are at an easier level than those here.

The numbers are simpler and the problems themselves are less complex.

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More 5th Grade Math Problems

Here you will some more of our 5th grade math word problems.

Each sheet is availabel in both standard and metric units (where applicable).

Each sheet comes complete with a separate answer sheet.

All the problems are based around 'real life' such as the planets, heights of mountains, or length of rivers.

Using these sheet will help your child to:

• solve a range of problems including "real life" problems and ratio problems.

All the worksheets help to support Elementary math benchmarks.

These sheets involve solving one or two more challenging longer problems.

• 5th Grade Math Problems

These sheets involve solving a range of ratio problems.

• Multiplication Word Problems 5th Grade
• 5th Grade Measurement Worksheets

Here is our selection of measurement worksheets for 5th graders.

These sheets involve reading scales in both the standard and metric systems.

The scales include finding the length, weight or liquid capacity.

Using these sheets will help your child understand how to:

• learn how to read a standard scale going up in different fractions: halves, quarters, eighths and sixteenths;
• learn how to read a metric scale going up in 0.1s, 5s, 10s, 25s, 50s & 100s;
• learn how to estimate a measurement of length, weight or liquid.

Using these sheets will help children to consolidate their fractions and place value learning.

Fifth Grade Math Games

Here you will find a range of free printable 5th Grade Math games.

All children like to play Math games, and you will find a good range of Grade 5 Math Games here for your child to play and enjoy.

The following games involve different 5th Grade Math activities which you and your child can enjoy together.

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Maths Problems with Answers for Grade 5

Grade 5 maths problems with answers are presented. Also Solutions and explanations are included.

• Three toy cars and 4 toy trains cost $18. Two toy cars and 3 toy trains cost $13. What is the price of one toy car and the price of one toy train if both prices are whole numbers of Dollars? (Hint: Use a table) Solution
• 450 chocolate bars
• 4 hours and 30 minutes
• 11,800 TV sets
• Tom: 22 , Bob: 27
• same time , 12 minutes
• Jim: 5 years , Carla: 10 years , Tomy: 16 years
• 10,080 minutes
• 700 meters squared
• 114 centimeters squared
• one toy car costs $2 and 1 toy train costs $3.

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Grade 5 Math Worksheets

Related Pages Math Worksheets according to Topics Math Worksheets according to Grades Interactive Zone Grade 5 Math Lessons

These free interactive math worksheets are suitable for Fifth Grade or Grade 5. Use them to practice and improve your mathematical skills.

Prime Numbers

Prime Numbers (Up to 10) Prime Numbers (Up to 20) Prime Numbers (Up to 50) Prime Numbers (up to 100)

Prime Numbers (Sprint)

Multiples and Factors

Least Common Multiple Greatest Common Factor/Divisor

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Add two 4-digits Add two 5-digits

Chain Addition (2 digits, 3 addends) Chain Addition (3 digits, 3 addends) Chain Addition (4 digits, 3 addends) Chain Addition (2 digits, 4 addends) Chain Addition (3 digits, 4 addends) Chain Addition (4 digits, 4 addends)

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Subtract two 4-digits Subtract two 5-digits

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Printable Multiply Multi-digit by 1-digit (eg. 6,435 x 7) Multiplication Word Problems

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Multiply 2-digit by 2-digit (eg. 35 × 24) Multiply 3-digit by 2-digit (eg. 215 × 32)

Generated Multiply 2-digits by 1-digit Multiply 3-digits by 1-digit Multiply 2-digits by 2-digits Multiply 3-digits by 2-digits

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Printable Division Facts (Random Order) Divide by Multiples of 10 (eg. 6,300 ÷ 300)

Long Division with or without Remainders Divide 2-digit by 1-digit (eg. 74 ÷ 3) Divide 3-digit by 1-digit (eg. 576 ÷ 5) Divide 4-digit by 1-digit (eg. 3,870 ÷ 4)

Divide by 2-digit Divisors

Division Word Problems Division Word Problems (2-digit ÷ 1-digit) Division Word Problems (3-digit ÷ 1-digit) Division Word Problems (4-digit ÷ 1-digit)

Generated Divide 2-digits by 1-digit Divide 3-digits by 1-digit Divide 2-digits by 2-digit Divide 3-digits by 2-digit Divide 2-digits by 1-digit (with remainder) Divide 3-digits by 1-digit (with remainder) Divide 2-digits by 2-digits (with remainder) Divide 3-digits by 2-digits (with remainder)

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Order of Operations (+, -, ×, parenthesis) Order of Operations (+, -, ×, ÷, parenthesis) Order of Operations (+, -, ×, ÷, parenthesis, exponents)

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Write Decimals in Words Write Decimals in Numerals

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Adding Decimals Subtracting Decimals

Multiply Decimals by 10, 100, 1000 Divide Decimals by 10, 100, 1000

Multiply Decimals by Powers of 10 (eg. 3.2 × 10 3 ) Divide Decimals by Powers of 10 (eg. 74.2 ÷ 10 3 )

Multiply Decimals by Whole Numbers (eg. 3.12 × 8) Divide Decimals by Whole Numbers (eg. 7.28 ÷ 4)

Rounding Decimals (nearest whole number) Rounding Decimals (nearest tenths) Rounding Decimals (nearest hundredths) Rounding Decimals (mixed)

Adding Decimals (Tenths) Adding Decimals (Hundredths) Adding Decimals (Thousandths) Adding Decimals (Thousandths) Subtract Decimals (Tenths) Subtract Decimals (Hundredths) Subtract Decimals (Thousandths) Subtract Decimals (Thousandths)

Multiply Decimals by Tens (10s, 100s, 1000s) Multiply Decimals by Whole Number (1-digit) Multiply Decimals by Whole Number (Multi-digit) Multiply two Decimals Divide Decimals by Ten (10s, 100s, 1000s) Division with Decimal Quotients (Tenths) Division with Decimal Quotients (Hundredths)

Decimal Word Problems (One-Step, Addition $ Subtraction) Decimal Word Problems (Two-Step, Addition $ Subtraction) Decimal Word Problems (Mixed Operations) Decimal Word Problems (Mixed Operations)

Changing Decimals to Fractions Changing Fractions to Decimals (with denominators 10, 100, 1,000)

Fraction Worksheets

Equivalent Fractions Reduce Fractions (proper fractions) Simplify Fractions (proper & improper fractions)

Improper Fractions to Mixed Numbers Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions

Add Like Fractions Add Unlike Fractions

Subtract Like Fractions Subtract Unlike Fractions Subtract Fraction from Whole Number

Add Mixed Numbers (like denominators) Add Mixed Numbers (unlike denominators)

Subtract Mixed Numbers (like denominators, no regrouping) Subtract Mixed Numbers (like denominators, regrouping) Subtract Mixed Numbers (unlike denominators, no regrouping) Subtract Mixed Numbers (unlike denominators, regrouping)

Multiply Fractions with Canceling Multiply Fractions & Whole Numbers Multiply Mixed Numbers

Equivalent Fractions Compare Fractions Improper fractions to mixed numbers Mixed numbers to improper fractions Greatest Common Factor Simplify Fractions

Add Fractions (with common denominator & no simplifying) Subtract Fractions (with common denominator & no simplifying) Add & Subtract Fractions (with common denominator & simplifying answers) Least Common Multiple or Least Common Denominator Add & Subtract Fractions (with unlike denominators & step-by-step guide) Add & Subtract Fractions (with unlike denominators) Add Fractions (mixed) Subtract Fractions (mixed)

Multiply Fractions by Whole Numbers Multiply Two Fractions Divide Whole Numbers by Fractions Divide Fractions by Whole Numbers Divide Fractions by Fractions Divide Two Fractions

Adding Mixed Numbers Subtracting Mixed Numbers Add Mixed Numbers Subtract Mixed Numbers

Fraction Word Problems Adding & Subtracting Fractions Fraction Word Problems Adding & Subtracting Mixed Numbers (One-Step) Fraction Word Problems Adding & Subtracting Mixed Numbers (Two-Step) Fraction Word Problems Adding & Subtracting Mixed Numbers (Two-Step)

Measurement Worksheets

Temperature Conversion Celsius to Fahrenheit Temperature Conversion Fahrenheit to Celsius Temperature Conversion Mixed

Standard Measurement Conversion Metric Measurement Conversion

Metric Length Conversion (mm, cm, m, km) Adding lengths (km, m, cm, mm) Subtracting Lengths (km, m, cm, mm) Multiplying Lengths (km, m, cm, mm) Dividing Lengths (km, m, cm, mm)

Metric Weight Conversion (kg, g, mg) Adding and Subtracting Weights (kg, g, mg) Multiplying Weights (kg, g, mg) Dividing Weights (kg, g, mg)

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Time Conversion (weeks, days, hours, minutes, seconds) Adding and Subtracting Time Multiplying and Dividing Time Time Word Problems (Elapsed Time) Convert from 12-hr System to 24-hr System Convert from 24-hr System to 12-hr System Calculate Time Intervals in 12-hr System and 24-hr System

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Evaluate Expressions by Substitution Simplify Expressions by Combining Like Terms Simplify Expressions using Distributive Property Simplify Expressions using Distributive Property & Combine Like Terms

Solving One-Step Equations Solving Two-Step Equations Solving Equations by Combining Like Terms Solving Equations with the Variable on Both Sides Solving Equations by Distributive Property Solving Multi-Step Equations Solving Multi-Step Equations Solving Word Problems using Algebra

Ratio Worksheets

Ratio of Quantities Ratio Word Problems I Ratio Word Problems II Ratio Word Problems III Ratio Word Problems IV Ratio with Algebra

Percent Worksheets

Changing Percents to Decimals and Fractions Changing Percents to Fractions in Lowest Terms Changing Percents to Fractions Changing Fractions to Percents Changing Fractions to Percents Changing Decimals to Percents

Percentages (What is X% of Y) Percentages (X is what % of Y) Percentages (X is Y% of what) Percent of a Number Finding Percent Finding the Base

Geometry Worksheets

Names of Polygons Give the number of sides Names of Polygons Give the names of polygons Types of Angles (Acute, Obtuse, Reflex) Angles in a Straight Line Angles at a Point Complementary Angles Supplementary Angles

Area & Perimeter of Rectangles Area & Perimeter of Rectangles Area & Perimeter of Rectangles Area & Perimeter of Parallelogram Area of Triangle Area of Parallelograms Area of Triangle & Parallelogram Area of Trapezoid Area of Shapes Area of Shaded Region (rectangles & triangles)

Printable Volume of Rectangular Prisms Volume of Composite Rectangular Prisms

Generated Surface Area & Volume of Cubes Surface Area & Volume of Rectangular Prisms or Cuboids

Statistics Worksheets

Mode Median Mean Range Mean, Median & Mode Mean, Median & Mode Find the possible values for the Median Given the Mean, find the missing number(s) in a set Word problems that involve the Mean Word problems that involve the Mean

Prime Numbers (up to 10, 20), Prime Numbers (up to 50, 100), Least Common Multiple, Greatest Common Factor,

Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Division with Remainder, Order of Operations (PEMDAS),

Rounding Decimals, Adding Decimals, Subtract Decimals, Multiply Decimals by Tens, Multiply Decimals by Whole Number, Multiply two Decimals, Divide Decimals by Ten, Division with Decimal Quotients, Decimals and Fractions, Decimal Word Problems,

Equivalent Fractions, Simplify Fractions, Compare Fractions, Convert between Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers, Add Fractions with Like Denominators, Add Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Subtract Fractions with Like Denominators, Subtract Fractions with Unlike Denominators, Multiply Fractions by Whole Numbers, Multiply Two Fractions, Divide Fractions by Whole Numbers, Divide Two Fractions, Add Mixed Numbers, Subtract Mixed Numbers, Fraction Word Problems,

Add and Subtract Lengths, Add and Subtract Weights, Convert between Celsius and Fahrenheit,

Convert Time, Add and Subtract Time, Multiply and Divide Time, 12-hr and 24-hr System,

Types of Angles, Number of sides of Polygons, Names of Polygons, Perimeter and Area (Rectangles), Perimeter and Area (Triangles), Perimeter and Area (Parallelogram), Perimeter and Area (Trapezoids), Volume of Cubes, Volume of Rectangular Prisms, Surface Area of Cubes, Surface Area of Rectangular Prisms,

Add and Subtract Like Terms, Distributive Property, Solve One-Step Algebra Equations, Solve Two-Step Algebra Equations, Solve Equations involving Like Terms,

Ratio, Proportion, Percent,

Mean, Median, Mode, Range, Statistics Word Problems.

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35 Math Questions For 5th Graders: Answers With Worked Examples

Anantha Anilkumar

In 5th grade math, the toughest questions are often the reasoning questions. In this article, we’ve put together a collection of math questions for 5th graders, organized by the different kinds of reasoning questions that students may encounter on standardized tests and beyond.

Why Focus On Math Reasoning Questions?

Most fifth graders find reasoning questions to be the most difficult. Unsurprisingly, we teach thousands of students in the weeks leading up to standardized tests. Teaching them math reasoning skills at the elementary level is a big part of what we do here at Third Space Learning.

We even recently made the decision to restructure our elementary lessons to introduce math reasoning questions earlier in their learning journey as the difficulty level was just too high at the end of the lesson. We  definitely feel fifth grade teachers’ pain!

Whatever level your students are currently achieving in math, math reasoning questions will appear from elementary to high school, so it is an essential skill for the future.

If you find you have children in your class with a lot more catching up to do than others, then we may be able to support them with some personalized one-on-one tutoring if you get in touch.

Reasoning Questions for 5th Grade

Help your 5th grade students to feel confident with different types of reasoning questions.

35 Math Questions For 5th Graders

There are 7 types of math reasoning questions that fifth graders are likely to encounter:

For each of these types we’ll examine an example problem, looking at the question, the correct answer, and how to go about answering this problem.

We’ll also look at further examples of each type of math reasoning question and answer, again with worked examples and an explanation of how to answer each.

Our aim is to provide you with a sample of the types of math reasoning questions and how to teach the reasoning and problem solving skills they’ll need to solve them.

For more word problems like this, check out our collection of 2-step and multi-step word problems . For advice on how to teach children to solve problems like this, check out these math problem solving strategies.

Math Question Type 1: Single step word problems

The simplest type of reasoning question students are likely to encounter, single step problems are exactly that: students are asked to interpret a written question and carry out a single mathematical step to solve it.

Take a look at the question below:

Reasoning Question 1

Answer: $0.65

A relatively easy question to interpret–the first step will be to rewrite the amounts given so that they can properly line up the place values in order to solve. From here the simple mathematical step is subtraction i.e. $2.00 – $1.35 = 0.65.

The most crucial skill for grade schoolers in this question is a solid understanding of money as relating to place value. If this understanding is present, the mathematical step itself is quite easy.

Below are several more examples:

Reasoning Question 2

Answer : 7 hours 24 minutes

Students need to understand that one hour is equal to 60 minutes. From here the single mathematical step is division: 444/60, to find a whole number answer with a remainder.

Reasoning Question 3

Answer : 48 cm 3

Students must multiply length by width by height, using the amounts provided by the question.

Reasoning Question 4

Answer : 1,488 cubic cm

A simple enough calculation (multiplying) if students are aware that the volume of a rectangular prism can be found by multiplying the area of the base by the height.

Reasoning Question 5

Answer : 7,590

A single, relatively simple rounding problem – students should recognize that ’94’ is the place they should focus on for this problem.

Math Question Type 2: Multiple step worded problems

A more complex version of the single step word problem, multi-step problems require students to interpret a written problem, but solving it then requires the use of two or three math skills.

For example, consider this question below:

Answer: $1.85

This question encompasses three different math skills: multiplying (and dividing) decimals, addition and subtraction. Students can choose to work out the multiplication or division first, but must complete both before moving on.

Once these values have been worked out the next steps are relatively simple – adding the two values together, and subtracting the total from $5.

Multi-step problems are particularly valuable to include in practice tests because they require children to apply their knowledge of math language and their reasoning skills several times across the course of a single question, usually in slightly different contexts.

More examples:

Answer : $5,520

There are two steps to this problem, but both are multiplication. The first is to work out how much money is made per day – 92 x $15. This product is then multiplied by 4 – the number of days – to get to the answer.

Answer : 1360 miles

Another two step problem. The first step is to work out 4 of 3,400 miles. Then divide this by 10 to solve for 4/10 of 3,400.

Answer : $153

There are four steps involved in solving this problem: multiplication (doubling $51), division (dividing $51 in half), multiplication again (doubling half of $51–which some students may recognize those last two steps were unnecessary as that brings us back to $51), and addition (putting the two costs together).

Given the number of steps involved it can be easy for students to make arithmetic mistakes.

Answer : 11.45 lbs

A two-step problem again: multiplying 3.45 lbs by 4, then subtracting 2.35 lbs from the total. 

Math Question Type 3: Problems involving measurements

As their name suggests, these questions ask students to solve a problem that includes one or more units of measurement.

Answer: 40 washes

This is a two step problem; students must first be able to read and convert kilograms to grams (and therefore know the relationship and conversions between the two units- 1,000 grams to 1 kilogram), multiply 2.6 by 1,000 which equals 2,600, then divide 2,600 by 65. The quotient is the number of washes possible.

Further examples:

Answer : 50g

A relatively simple division problem, relying on students having knowledge that 200g is one fifth of a kilogram.

Answer : 5.12 miles

Another three step problem, and this requires students to subtract and divide decimals – subtracting 12.63 miles from the total amount, taking the difference, 13.91, and subtracting 3.67 miles, and then dividing that difference, 10.24, in half to obtain the distance the other two friends ran.

Answer : 84 inches/7 foot

To find 8 feet in inches, students must multiply 8 by 12. This gives the answer 96 inches. Students must then divide 96 by 40 to find the height of one box: 2.4 inches. Multiply 2.4 by 5 and minus this from the original 96 inch tower. 

Interesting to note that the units for the answer may or may not be specified – an answer given in inches or feet will be accepted, however sometimes the unit will be specified in the answer box. This is why we encourage students to keep an eye on whether units are provided in the answer box.

Answer : 0.05 lbs

As with the running question there are three steps involved to solve this problem: subtracting the heaviest car from the total amount (3.85 – 1), figuring out the weight of the remaining three cars (2.85/3) and subtracting 0.95 from 1 to get the remaining amount of 0.05 lbs.

Question Type 4: Problems involving drawing

Problems involving drawing require students to construct an accurate drawing by following a set of instructions, or through reflection, translation, or scaling.  

Answer: Any pair of lines that make a square of 4 units, a rectangle of 6 units, and a square of 25 units.

This question is considerably more complex than it appears, and incorporates aspects of multiplication as well as spatial awareness. One potential solution is to work out the area of the card (35), then work out the possible square numbers that will fit in (understanding that square numbers produce a square when drawn out as on a grid), and which then leave a single rectangle behind.

A lot of work for a single point!

Some further examples:

Answer : Any quadrilateral made by joining the dots that has 3 acute angles e.g. an arrowhead shape.

Answer : An accurately drawn angle.

This question demands students to have an understanding of and ability to accurately use a protractor. Often, a mark scheme allows some room for error – “between 34 and 36 degrees” is acceptable.

As with the question above, a small amount of room for error is given as it acceptable to be between 139 and 141 degrees.

Answer : Points drawn at (2,1), (5,1) and (2,4).

Math Question Type 5: Explanation questions

These problems ask children to explain a mathematical statement or error.

As an example:

Answer: If the distance from P to R is 800 yards and the distance from P to Q is (Q -> R x 4), it must be 4/5 of 800 = 640 yards. Therefore Olivia is wrong.

More than most problems, this type requires students to actively demonstrate their reasoning skills as well as their mathematical ones. Here students must articulate either in words or (where possible) numerically that they understand that Q to R is 1/5 of the total, that therefore P to Q is 4/5 of the total distance, and then calculate what this is via division and multiplication.

Further examples below:

Answer : No, 2/100 is the same as 2 divided by 100, which equals 0.02.

Answer : No; multiplication and division have the same priority in the order of operations, so in a problem like 40 x 6 ÷2, you would carry out the multiplication first as it occurs first.

Answer : No

Any explanation that provides a counter-example is acceptable e.g. “Not if the number is 1”, “Not for 0,” “Not if the number is less than 1” etc.

Answer : Any answer that refers to the fact that there is a 5 in the hundredths place, AND a 9 in the thousandths place, so that the number has to be rounded up as far as the ten-thousands place.

Math Question Type 6: Sequence questions

Another relatively simple kind of reasoning question, sequence problems involve students completing mathematical sequences.

Consider this example:

Answer: 35 , 42, 49, 56 , 63, 70

The question’s instructions point clearly to the solution: figure out what the increase between numbers is, then apply this via addition or subtraction to find the missing numbers.

Higher achieving students might quickly pick up that this is in fact the 7 times table and rely on their knowledge of multiplication facts to obtain the answer – this should be encouraged so long as they then check their answer in the normal method to ensure they haven’t made a mistake.

Answer(s) : 8/8 or 1 and 2 1/8 (OR 17/8)

Both answers must be correct to receive the point. Students must recognize that 3/4 is the same as 6/8, so the sequence is increasing in 3/8 each time. The first number is 3/8 less than 1 3/8 and the final number is 3/8 greater than 1 3/4. They then must be able to add and subtract fractions to obtain the answers.

Answer(s) : 4.2 and 7

Answer(s) : 128, 135 and 156.

Answer(s) : 0 and 24

This number line question can be a little tricky; students need to figure out that the marks on the line represent increments of 3, and count backwards and forwards in 3’s to obtain the missing numbers.

Math Question Type 7: Ordering questions

A slightly more complex variation of the sequence question, ordering problems require students to put a set of numbers, fractions or measures in the correct order.

A good example is this fifth grade math question below:

Answer: 3/5, 3/4, 6/5

This question throws a wrench in things by including an improper fraction, but this is hardly unusual. These sorts of questions are just the place to find other ‘curveballs’ such as equivalent fractions, mixed numbers, decimal numbers, and fractions all mixed into one problem.

A good knowledge of the fundamentals of fractions is essential here: students must understand what a larger denominator means, and the significance of a fraction with a numerator greater than its denominator.

Answer : D,C,A,B

Encourage students to convert all the fractions to one denominator value to make ordering easier.

Answer : (descending down the ‘Place’ column) 3rd, 5th, 2nd, 4th

Students could use many strategies to solve this problem. The most time consuming would be to rewrite all the fractions with a common denominator. More efficient strategies would include reasoning about the size of the fractions in comparison to ½ or 1. For instance, a student may notice that ⅜ is the only fraction less than ½, putting Ben in 5th place. 4/8 is exactly ½ whereas the others are greater than ½, putting Michael in 4th place. Then the student may recognize that 10/12 is closer to 1 than ¾, completing the rest of the table.

Answer : C, B, D, A

Answer : D, A, C, B

7 Top Tips For Answering 5th Grade Math Reasoning Questions

Now that we’ve covered how to answer some specific types of reasoning questions, here are some more generic tips for success in standardized tests. They may not all be applicable to every single question, but will apply to at least two, usually more.

• Get students in the habit of identifying what information they’re given in a question, and what they need to know to solve the problem. This helps them start to form the steps needed to find the solution.
• Ask students to ‘spot the math’ in a question – which operations or skills do they actually need to use to solve the problem? This is useful even for arithmetic questions – it’s no surprise how often children can misread a question.
• Check the units! Especially in questions involving multiple measures, it can be easy to give the answer in the wrong one. The answer box might give a specific unit of measurement, so students should work to give their answer in that unit.
• In a similar vein, remind students to convert different units of measurement in a question into the same unit to make calculations easier e.g. lbs to oz.
• Encourage numerical answers where possible. Even in explanation questions demonstrating the mathematical equation is a better explanation than trying to write it out.
• The bar model can be a useful way of visualizing many different types of questions, and might make it easier to spot the ‘steps’ needed for the solution.
• Check your work! Even if the work is ultimately irrelevant to the question, you can lose points if it is wrong.

Do you have students who need extra support in math? Give your students more opportunities to consolidate learning and practice skills through personalized math tutoring with their own dedicated online math tutor. Each student receives differentiated instruction designed to close their individual learning gaps, and scaffolded learning ensures every student learns at the right pace. Lessons are aligned with your state’s standards and assessments, plus you’ll receive regular reports every step of the way. Personalized one-on-one math tutoring programs are available for: – 2nd grade tutoring – 3rd grade tutoring – 4th grade tutoring – 5th grade tutoring – 6th grade tutoring – 7th grade tutoring – 8th grade tutoring Why not learn more about how it works ?

The content in this article was originally written by Anantha Anilkumar at Third Space Learning and has since been revised and adapted for US schools by elementary math teacher Katie Keeton.

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5th grade (Eureka Math/EngageNY)

Unit 1: module 1: place value and decimal fractions, unit 2: module 2: multi-digit whole number and decimal fraction operations, unit 3: module 3: addition and subtractions of fractions, unit 4: module 4: multiplication and division of fractions and decimal fractions, unit 5: module 5: addition and multiplication with volume and area, unit 6: module 6: problem solving with the coordinate plane.

5th Grade Math Games

Enjoy learning math with our expertly crafted interactive math games for 5th graders! Kids can playfully tackle long division, multi-digit multiplication, operations on fractions and decimals, numerical expressions, order of operations, volume of solids, unit conversions, graphing points, and much more! Our c ... Read more ollection of fifth-grade math games aligns perfectly with the curriculum and prepares students for middle school math and beyond. Loved by millions of kids! Start now for free!

CONTENT TYPE

• Lesson Plans
• Number Sense (17)
• Compare Numbers (6)
• Place Value (8)
• Addition (8)
• Large Numbers Addition (8)
• 5-Digit Addition (6)
• Multiplication (32)
• Multiply By Multiples Of 10 (4)
• Estimate Products (4)
• Multi-Digit Multiplication (24)
• Multiply 2-Digit By 2-Digit Numbers (11)
• Multiply 3-Digit By 2-Digit Numbers (4)
• Multiply 4-Digit By 1-Digit Numbers (7)
• Division (38)
• Estimate Quotients (3)
• Long Division (26)
• Divide 2-Digit By 1-Digit Numbers (6)
• Divide 3-Digit By 1-Digit Numbers (7)
• Divide 4-Digit By 1-Digit Numbers (5)
• Divide 4-Digit By 2-Digit Numbers (7)
• Fractions (73)
• Fractions Operations (68)
• Add Fractions (11)
• Add Like Fractions (5)
• Estimate Fraction Sums (3)
• Subtract Fractions (7)
• Add Mixed Numbers (8)
• Subtract Mixed Numbers (9)
• Subtract A Fraction From A Mixed Number (5)
• Multiply Fractions (21)
• Multiply Fractions Using Models (10)
• Multiply Fractions By Whole Numbers (17)
• Divide Fractions (8)
• Decimals (116)
• Read And Write Decimals (31)
• Decimal Place Value (25)
• Expanded Form Of Decimals (7)
• Compare Decimals (22)
• Order Decimals (10)
• Round Decimals (12)
• Round Decimals To The Nearest Whole (5)
• Convert Decimals To Fractions (5)
• Decimal Operations (40)
• Add Decimals (6)
• Subtract Decimals (5)
• Multiply Decimals (13)
• Divide Decimals (14)
• Divide Decimals By Whole Numbers (5)
• Geometry (32)
• Shapes (12)
• 2D Shapes (12)
• Quadrilaterals (7)
• Coordinate Plane (7)
• Measurement (24)
• Conversion Of Measurement Units (15)
• Algebra (23)
• Number Patterns (10)
• Expressions And Equations (11)
• Order Of Operations (5)
• Word Problems (18)
• Subtraction Word Problems (1)
• Multiplication Word Problems (2)
• Division Word Problems (5)
• Fraction Word Problems (5)
• Money Word Problems (4)
• Reading (44)
• Reading Comprehension (44)
• Cause And Effect (6)
• Inference (6)
• Identify The Main Idea And Key Details (13)
• Categorize Pictures Into Groups (4)
• What'S The Title? (5)
• Prediction (6)
• Sequencing (13)
• Arrange Pictures In Order (3)
• Arrange Sentences In Order (4)

Number Sense Games

Compare Numbers Using Greater than, Smaller than or Equal to Symbols Game

Compare numbers using greater than, smaller than or equal to symbols.

Compare Numbers Game

Begin the exciting journey of becoming a math wizard by learning how to compare numbers.

Fill the Number Present at the Mentioned Place Value Game

Fill the number present at the mentioned place value to play this game.

Round off Numbers Using a Number Line Game

Kids must round off numbers using a number line.

Addition Games for 5th Graders Games

Identify the Addition Pattern and Fill the Correct Answers Game

Kids must identify the addition pattern and fill in the correct answer.

Recognize the Addition Pattern and Fill the Sum Game

Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by recognizing the addition pattern to fill the sum.

Add to Find the Sum Game

Learn to solve real world problems through our 'Add to Find the Sum' game.

Add Numbers Using Column Addition Game

Kids must add numbers using column addition.

Multiplication Games

Estimate the Product of Numbers within 50 by 1-Digit Numbers Game

Estimate the product of numbers within 50 by 1-digit numbers to practice multiplication.

Multiply Tens, Hundreds and Thousands Game

Learn to solve math problems by multiplying tens, hundreds and thousands.

Multiply using a Related Fact Game

Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring how to multiply using a related fact.

Select the Missing Number to Complete the Missing Expression Game

Select the missing number to complete the missing expression.

Division Games

Choose the Number Divisible by the Given Number Game

Kids must choose the number divisible by the given number to practice division.

Select the Expression to Estimate Game

Take a deep dive into the world of math by selecting the expression to estimate correctly.

Find the Quotient Game

Enter the madness of math-multiverse by learning to find the quotient.

Identify the First Digit of Quotients Game

Kids must identify the first digit of the quotient to practice division.

Fractions Games

Choose the Fraction Equivalent of the Mixed Number Game

Kids must choose the fraction equivalent of the given mixed number.

Fill in Colors in the Model to Show the sum Game

Practice fractions by filling in colors in the model to show the sum.

Select the Mixed Number for the Given Fraction Game

Kids must select the mixed number for the given fraction.

Compare Fractions with Unlike Denominators Game

Practice the superpower of fractions by learning to compare fractions with unlike denominators.

Decimals Games

Compare Decimals Using Place Value Chart Game

Have your own math-themed party by learning how to compare decimals using a place value chart.

Identify Decimal Numbers Using Fraction Models Game

Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by identifying decimal numbers using fraction models.

Round Tenths Using a Number Line Game

Enter the madness of math-multiverse by exploring how to round tenths using a number line.

Fill a Decimal Number Between the Two Tenths Game

Fill a decimal number between the two tenths to practice decimals.

Geometry Games

Draw Angles in Multiples of 10 Degrees Game

Play this game to draw angles in multiples of 10 degrees.

• Identify Attributes of 2D Shapes Game

Sharpen your geometry skills by identifying attributes of 2D shapes.

Find the Distance between Two Points Game

Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring how to find the distance between two points.

Find Parallel Sides Game

Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to find parallel sides.

Measurement Games

Convert Metric Units of Length Game

Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to convert metric units of length.

Conversion Tables for Metric Units of Length Game

Help kids practice measurements with these conversion tables for metric units of length.

Introduction to Volume Game

Introduce your child to the world of volume with this game.

Find the Volume using Unit Cubes Game

Kids must find the volume using unit cubes to practice geometry.

Algebra Games

Missing Numbers in Addition Statement Game

Take the pressure off by simplifying decimals by finding the missing numbers in addition statements.

Fill in the Correct Number Using Multiplicative Patterns Game

Fill in the correct number using multiplicative patterns to make learning fun.

Identify the Prime Numbers Game

Practice the superpower of algebra by learning how to identify prime numbers.

Fill in the Correct Number Using Subtractive Patterns Game

Children must fill in the correct number using subtractive patterns.

Word Problems Games

Solve the Word Problems Related to Multiplication Game

Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning to solve word problems related to multiplication.

Solve the Word Problems on Fraction Subtraction Game

Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by solving word problems on fraction subtraction.

Find the Number of Groups Game

Find the number of groups to practice division.

Solving Word Problems Game

Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by exploring how to solve word problems.

All Math Games

Recognize the Missing Numbers in the Subtraction Solution Game

Kids must recognize the missing numbers in the subtraction solution to practice subtraction.

Complete the the Division Patterns Game

Practice the superpower of division by learning how to complete the division patterns.

Word Problems on Conversion of Metric Units Game

Apply your knowledge of measurements to solve word problems on conversion of metric units.

Count the Total Money in a GIven Scenario Game

Kids must count the total money in a gIven scenario in this game.

Identify the Missing Numbers in the Subtractions Solution Game

Help kids practice subtraction by identifying the missing numbers in subtraction solutions.

Divide Multiples of 10 by 1-Digit Numbers Game

Ask your little one to divide multiples of 10 by 1-digit numbers to play this game.

Compare Fractions with Different Denominators Game

Learn to solve problems by comparing fractions with different denominators.

Fill in Color to Represent the Decimal Numbers Game

Fill in colors to represent the decimal numbers in this game.

Identify Parallel Sides Game

Begin the exciting journey of becoming a math wizard by learning to identify parallel sides.

Solve Word Problems on Money Expressed as Decimal Numbers Game

Sharpen your math skills by solving word problems on money expressed as decimal numbers.

Choose the Number Greater or Smaller Than the Given Number Game

Use your number sense skills to choose the number greater or smaller than the given number.

Multiply by Multiple of 10 Game

Have your own math-themed party by learning how to multiply by multiples of 10.

Divide Using Patterns of Zeros Game

Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring how to divide using patterns of zeros.

Color the Parts to Show Decimal Numbers as Fractions Game

Sharpen your decimal skills by coloring the parts to show decimal numbers as fractions.

Identify Parallel and Perpendicular Lines Game

Take a look at how to identify parallel and perpendicular lines with this game.

Calculate the Change You Will Get Back Game

Learn to calculate the change that you will get back with this game.

Identify the Correct Pattern Game

Enter the madness of math-multiverse by exploring how to identify the correct pattern.

Identify the Least or the Greatest Number Game

Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by exploring how to identify the least or the greatest number.

Multiply Multiples of 10 Game

Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by exploring how to multiply multiples of 10.

Divide Multiples of 10 and 100 Game

Learn to solve problems by dividing multiples of 10 and 100.

Shade the Fraction Model to Represent Hundredths as Tenths Game

Apply your knowledge of decimals to shade the fraction model to represent hundredths as tenths.

Count Pairs of Parallel Sides in Shapes and Choose the Correct Answer Game

Kids must count pairs of parallel sides in shapes and choose the correct answer.

Conversion Tables for Metric Units of Weight Game

Take a look at conversion tables for metric units of weight with this measurement game.

Find Out the Total Money Spent by Multiplying Game

Find out the total money spent by multiplying to practice counting money.

Identify the Correct Rule of Pattern Used Game

Dive deep into the world of algebra by learning to identify the correct rule of pattern used.

Compare Numbers With the Help of a Number Line Game

Take a deep dive into the world of math by comparing numbers with the help of a number line.

FIll the Missing Number in the Addition Solution Game

Use your addition skills to fIll the missing number in the addition solution.

Identify the Patterns of Zeros and Divide Game

Learn to solve math problems by identifying the patterns of zeros and divide.

Select the correct Equivalent Fraction for the Mixed Number Game

Children must select the correct equivalent fraction for the mixed number.

Identify Decimals on a Number Line Game

Take a look at how to identify decimals on the number line.

What Is the Importance of Math for Grade 5 Kids?

In Grade 5, math plays a vital role in a child's academic journey, preparing them for middle school and beyond. Understanding fractions, decimals, and algebraic thinking prepares kids for higher-grade math concepts. It provides a strong foundation for higher-grade math concepts, making it essential for their overall development. 

• Age factor : Grade 5 students, at around 10 years old, undergo a development phase characterized by significant learning and rapid-paced cognitive growth. Grade 5, a critical age for fast learning, lays the foundation for advanced math skills and age-appropriate learning.
• Transition Towards Middle School : It prepares students for the rigor of middle school math and higher-grade concepts like fractions, decimals, and algebraic thinking.
• Strong Basic Concepts : Understanding strong basic concepts fosters problem-solving skills, promoting critical thinking and analytical abilities.
• Real-World Applications : Real-world applications empower kids to apply math practically, boosting their confidence for academic success.

Grade 5 kids, being at the age of fast learning, present an ideal opportunity to enrich their math education. As parents and teachers, nurturing their curiosity and supporting their mathematical growth will set them on a path to success and endless possibilities in the future.

Important Math Concepts Covered in Grade 5

Let’s take an overview of key concepts covered in grade 5 Math curriculum. 

Number Sense

• Introduction of decimal numbers
• Place values patterns in multi-digit numbers
• Use whole-number exponents to denote powers of 10.

Number sense is simply knowing and understanding numbers, how they relate to each other, and how they are used in everyday life. Master number sense skills with Number Sense Games for 5th Graders !

Multiplication

• Multiplying multi-digit whole numbers and decimals
• Multiplication area models
• Multi-digit multiplication (with standard algorithm and partial quotients)

Multiplication is simply repeated addition, a quick and smart way to add! Learn and practice multiplication with our Multiplication Games for 5th Graders exciting games now!

• Divide whole numbers up to four digits by two-digit divisors using strategies derived from place value, properties of operations, and the connection between multiplication and division.
• Division with fractions and decimals 
• Multi-digit division with partial quotients

Division helps children understand equal sharing and splitting numbers! Explore division concepts with our fun-filled Division Games for Grade 5 and become a division whiz today!

• Addition and subtraction of fractions by making them equivalent fractions. 
• Multiplication of fractions with fractions or whole numbers.
•  Solving real world problems involving multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers. 
• Dividing whole numbers and unit fractions.
• Fractions as quotients, fractions as whole numbers

Fractions can be tricky, but our engaging games make learning them a piece of cake! Dive into the world of fractions with our Fraction Games for 5th Graders !

• Explain patterns in the placement of the decimal point when a decimal is multiplied or divided by a power of 10. 
• Read, write, and compare decimals to thousandths.
• Rounding decimals to any place using place values.
• Operations on decimals (Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)

Wherever precision is necessary, decimals play an important role! Deal with decimals confidently with the help of our Decimals Games for Grade 5 Students !

• To graph points on the coordinate plane to solve real world problems. 
• To locate points on a coordinate grid.
• To classify two-dimensional figures in a hierarchy based on properties.
• Generate, identify, and graph relationships between corresponding terms in two patterns, given a rule.

Geometry is a world of shapes and their different attributes! Embark on a geometric adventure with our Geometry Games for 5th Graders and become a geometry expert now!

Measurement

• To learn about the concept of volume as the space taken up by a solid object.
• Find volume of right rectangular prisms and solid figures.
• Measure volume by counting unit cubes or using multiplication/addition.
• Calculate volume for figures composed of rectangular prisms.

Measurement is really the key to quantifying the world! Check out Measurement Games for 5th Graders and help children become a measurement master today!

• Use parentheses, brackets, or braces in numerical expressions and evaluate expressions with these symbols.
• Write simple expressions to record calculations with numbers.
• Interpret numerical expressions without evaluating them.

Help children discover the world of expressions, equations, and algebraic patterns with our Algebra Games for 5th Graders !

Word Problems

• Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions
• Solve word problems involving division of whole numbers leading to answers in the form of fractions or mixed numbers
• Addition and subtraction word problems
• Multiplication and division word problems
• Money and time word problems

Word problems are like real-world math puzzles or simple math challenges wrapped around real-life scenarios. Play Word Problems Games for Grade 5 and sharpen your problem-solving skills!

Benefits of Introducing Math Concepts to 5th graders through Games

• Engaging and Motivational Gameplay : Games create an exciting and enjoyable atmosphere for 5th graders to explore math concepts, making learning more engaging and captivating. The element of fun encourages them to embrace challenging math topics actively.
• Age-Appropriate Approach : Math games 5th grade are well-suited for the age and psychology of kids, as they naturally enjoy interactive activities, making it an ideal learning method for this grade level.
• Practical Application : Games provide hands-on experiences that allow students to apply math concepts practically, reinforcing their understanding of various mathematical principles.
• Improved Retention : The interactive nature of games aids in better information retention, ensuring that the learned concepts stay with the students for a longer period.
• Collaborative Learning : Many math games involve teamwork, fostering collaboration among students and promoting healthy competition, which further enhances their learning experience. Games often present students with diverse challenges, stimulating their problem-solving abilities and nurturing critical thinking.

How Can Math Games Help Children Improve their Grade 5 Math Skills

• 5th grade math games online make learning math concepts enjoyable, increasing children's interest and motivation in topics like fractions, decimals, and algebraic thinking.
• Interactive gameplay reinforces grade 5 math concepts, such as measurement, geometry, and data analysis, improving children's retention and understanding.
• Through problem-solving challenges in fun math games for 5th graders, children develop critical thinking and analytical skills, enhancing their overall proficiency in grade 5 math.
• Math games help provide a stress-free environment for practicing math skills, boosting children's confidence and performance in areas like number operations and problem-solving.

Practical Applications of Grade 5 Concepts in Everyday Life for Kids

• Using fractions while baking or cooking recipes helps kids understand proportions and measurements in real-life situations.
• Understanding decimals is essential when handling money, such as calculating change during shopping or budgeting for expenses.
• Applying geometry concepts helps kids when building structures with blocks or identifying shapes in their environment.
• Analyzing data and charts supports kids in making informed decisions, like comparing prices or tracking progress in various activities.

What Are the Best 5 Math Games and Activities for Grade 5 Kids?

Here’s a list of few interactive math games for grade 5 online and fun activities offered by SplashLearn for grade 5 students:

• Identify the Place Game
• Multiply using Place Value Game
• Complete the Division Patterns Game
• Complete the Fraction Addition Game
• Compare Decimals using Number Line Game

How do you help kids practice grade 5 math concepts?

• Engage kids in interactive online math games for fifth graders to practice grade 5 math concepts with enthusiasm.
• Provide them with specially designed grade 5 worksheets for targeted exercises and reinforcement of learning.
• Tailor practice sessions to each child's needs, ensuring the right level of challenge and support.
• Encourage active participation through interactive quizzes and activities for enjoyable grade 5 math practice.

How can teachers integrate math games into their Grade 5 lesson plans?

• Introduce online fifth grade math games as interactive homework assignments, allowing students to practice and reinforce grade 5 math concepts at their own pace.
• Incorporate online math games for 5th grade into classroom activities, using them as engaging and educational rewards or brain breaks during lessons.
• Create personalized online math game challenges for students, tailoring the level of difficulty to their individual needs and providing an enjoyable way to review and assess their progress.

How do SplashLearn math games make learning fun for grade 5 kids?

• SplashLearn math games are aligned with the Common Core curriculum. They make learning fun for grade 5 kids by combining interactive gameplay with grade-appropriate math concepts. 
• The games engage students with exciting challenges, colorful visuals, and rewarding experiences, which help them retain enthusiasm and motivation.

Your one stop solution for all grade learning needs.

Grade 5 Word Problem Worksheets

Free printable fifth grade math worksheets to help your students improve their ability to solve word problems! Applying mathematical concepts to solve word problems can be challenging. These free worksheets are great repetition for your students! Scroll down to access all of the free grade 5 word problem worksheets. For more word problem resources, click on the image to the right to check out the word problem task cards. They cover a range of different math concepts for students in grades 4 & 5. 

Word Problems

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The Algebra Problem: How Middle School Math Became a National Flashpoint

From suburbs in the Northeast to major cities on the West Coast, a surprising subject is prompting ballot measures, lawsuits and bitter fights among parents: algebra.

Students have been required for decades to learn to solve for the variable x, and to find the slope of a line. Most complete the course in their first year of high school. But top-achievers are sometimes allowed to enroll earlier, typically in eighth grade.

The dual pathways inspire some of the most fiery debates over equity and academic opportunity in American education.

Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times

Do bias and inequality keep Black and Latino children off the fast track? Should middle schools eliminate algebra to level the playing field? What if standout pupils lose the chance to challenge themselves?

The questions are so fraught because algebra functions as a crucial crossroads in the education system.

Students who fail it are far less likely to graduate. Those who take it early can take calculus by 12th grade, giving them a potential edge when applying to elite universities and lifting them toward society’s most high-status and lucrative professions.

But racial and economic gaps in math achievement are wide in the United States, and grew wider during the pandemic. In some states, nearly 4 in 5 poor children do not meet math standards.

To close those gaps, New York City’s previous mayor, Bill de Blasio, adopted a goal embraced by many districts elsewhere. Every middle school would offer algebra, and principals could opt to enroll all of their eighth graders in the class.

San Francisco took an opposite approach: If some children could not reach algebra by middle school, no one would be allowed to take it.

The central mission in both cities was to help disadvantaged students. But solving the algebra dilemma can be more complex than solving the quadratic formula.

New York’s dream of “algebra for all” was never fully realized, and Mayor Eric Adams’ administration changed the goal to improving outcomes for ninth graders taking algebra. In San Francisco, dismantling middle-school algebra did little to end racial inequities among students in advanced math classes. After a huge public outcry, the district decided to reverse course.

“You wouldn’t think that there could be a more boring topic in the world,” said Thurston Domina, a professor at the University of North Carolina. “And yet, it’s this place of incredibly high passions.”

“Things run hot,” he said.

In some cities, disputes over algebra have been so intense that parents have sued school districts, protested outside mayors’ offices and campaigned for the ouster of school board members.

Teaching math in middle school is a challenge for educators in part because that is when the material becomes more complex, with students moving from multiplication tables to equations and abstract concepts. Students who have not mastered the basic skills can quickly become lost, and it can be difficult for them to catch up.

Many school districts have traditionally responded to divergent achievement levels by simply separating children into distinct pathways, placing some in general math classes while offering others algebra as an accelerated option. Such sorting, known as tracking, appeals to parents who want their children to reach advanced math as quickly as possible.

But tracking has cast an uncomfortable spotlight on inequality. Around a quarter of all students in the United States take algebra in middle school. But only about 12% of Black and Latino eighth graders do, compared with roughly 24% of white pupils, a federal report found.

“That’s why middle school math is this flashpoint,” said Joshua Goodman, an associate professor of education and economics at Boston University. “It’s the first moment where you potentially make it very obvious and explicit that there are knowledge gaps opening up.”

In the decades-long war over math, San Francisco has emerged as a prominent battleground.

California once required that all eighth graders take algebra. But lower-performing middle school students often struggle when forced to enroll in the class, research shows. San Francisco later stopped offering the class in eighth grade. But the ban did little to close achievement gaps in more advanced math classes, recent research has found.

As the pendulum swung, the only constant was anger. Leading Bay Area academics disparaged one another’s research. A group of parents even sued the district last spring. “Denying students the opportunity to skip ahead in math when their intellectual ability clearly allows for it greatly harms their potential for future achievement,” their lawsuit said.

The city is now back to where it began: Middle school algebra — for some, not necessarily for all — will return in August. The experience underscored how every approach carries risks.

“Schools really don’t know what to do,” said Jon R. Star, an educational psychologist at Harvard who has studied algebra education. “And it’s just leading to a lot of tension.”

In Cambridge, Massachusetts, the school district phased out middle school algebra before the pandemic. But some argued that the move had backfired: Families who could afford to simply paid for their children to take accelerated math outside school.

“It’s the worst of all possible worlds for equity,” Jacob Barandes, a Cambridge parent, said at a school board meeting.

Elsewhere, many students lack options to take the class early: One of Philadelphia’s most prestigious high schools requires students to pass algebra before enrolling, preventing many low-income children from applying because they attend middle schools that do not offer the class.

In New York, de Blasio sought to tackle the disparities when he announced a plan in 2015 to offer algebra — but not require it — in all of the city’s middle schools. More than 15,000 eighth graders did not have the class at their schools at the time.

Since then, the number of middle schools that offer algebra has risen to about 80% from 60%. But white and Asian American students still pass state algebra tests at higher rates than their peers.

The city’s schools chancellor, David Banks, also shifted the system’s algebra focus to high schools, requiring the same ninth-grade curriculum at many schools in a move that has won support and backlash from educators.

And some New York City families are still worried about middle school. A group of parent leaders in Manhattan recently asked the district to create more accelerated math options before high school, saying that many young students must seek out higher-level instruction outside the public school system.

In a vast district like New York — where some schools are filled with children from well-off families and others mainly educate homeless children — the challenge in math education can be that “incredible diversity,” said Pedro A. Noguera, the dean of the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education.

“You have some kids who are ready for algebra in fourth grade, and they should not be denied it,” Noguera said. “Others are still struggling with arithmetic in high school, and they need support.”

Many schools are unequipped to teach children with disparate math skills in a single classroom. Some educators lack the training they need to help students who have fallen behind, while also challenging those working at grade level or beyond.

Some schools have tried to find ways to tackle the issue on their own. KIPP charter schools in New York have added an additional half-hour of math time to many students’ schedules, to give children more time for practice and support so they can be ready for algebra by eighth grade.

At Middle School 50 in Brooklyn, where all eighth graders take algebra, teachers rewrote lesson plans for sixth- and seventh-grade students to lay the groundwork for the class.

The school’s principal, Ben Honoroff, said he expected that some students would have to retake the class in high school. But after starting a small algebra pilot program a few years ago, he came to believe that exposing children early could benefit everyone — as long as students came into it well prepared.

Looking around at the students who were not enrolling in the class, Honoroff said, “we asked, ‘Are there other kids that would excel in this?’”

“The answer was 100%, yes,” he added. “That was not something that I could live with.”

c.2024 The New York Times Company

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By Bill Whitaker

May 5, 2024 / 7:00 PM EDT / CBS News

As the school year ends, many students will be only too happy to see math classes in their rearview mirrors. It may seem to some of us non-mathematicians that geometry and trigonometry were created by the Greeks as a form of torture, so imagine our amazement when we heard two high school seniors had proved a mathematical puzzle that was thought to be impossible for 2,000 years. 

We met Calcea Johnson and Ne'Kiya Jackson at their all-girls Catholic high school in New Orleans. We expected to find two mathematical prodigies.

Instead, we found at St. Mary's Academy , all students are told their possibilities are boundless.

Come Mardi Gras season, New Orleans is alive with colorful parades, replete with floats, and beads, and high school marching bands.

In a city where uniqueness is celebrated, St. Mary's stands out – with young African American women playing trombones and tubas, twirling batons and dancing - doing it all, which defines St. Mary's, students told us.

Junior Christina Blazio says the school instills in them they have the ability to accomplish anything. 

Christina Blazio: That is kinda a standard here. So we aim very high - like, our aim is excellence for all students. 

The private Catholic elementary and high school sits behind the Sisters of the Holy Family Convent in New Orleans East. The academy was started by an African American nun for young Black women just after the Civil War. The church still supports the school with the help of alumni.

In December 2022, seniors Ne'Kiya Jackson and Calcea Johnson were working on a school-wide math contest that came with a cash prize.

Ne'Kiya Jackson: I was motivated because there was a monetary incentive.

Calcea Johnson: 'Cause I was like, "$500 is a lot of money. So I-- I would like to at least try."

Both were staring down the thorny bonus question.

Bill Whitaker: So tell me, what was this bonus question?

Calcea Johnson: It was to create a new proof of the Pythagorean Theorem. And it kind of gave you a few guidelines on how would you start a proof.

The seniors were familiar with the Pythagorean Theorem, a fundamental principle of geometry. You may remember it from high school: a² + b² = c². In plain English, when you know the length of two sides of a right triangle, you can figure out the length of the third.

Both had studied geometry and some trigonometry, and both told us math was not easy. What no one told  them  was there had been more than 300 documented proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem using algebra and geometry, but for 2,000 years a proof using trigonometry was thought to be impossible, … and that was the bonus question facing them.

Bill Whitaker: When you looked at the question did you think, "Boy, this is hard"?

Ne'Kiya Jackson: Yeah. 

Bill Whitaker: What motivated you to say, "Well, I'm going to try this"?

Calcea Johnson: I think I was like, "I started something. I need to finish it." 

Bill Whitaker: So you just kept on going.

Calcea Johnson: Yeah.

For two months that winter, they spent almost all their free time working on the proof.

CeCe Johnson: She was like, "Mom, this is a little bit too much."

CeCe and Cal Johnson are Calcea's parents.

CeCe Johnson:   So then I started looking at what she really was doing. And it was pages and pages and pages of, like, over 20 or 30 pages for this one problem.

Cal Johnson: Yeah, the garbage can was full of papers, which she would, you know, work out the problems and-- if that didn't work she would ball it up, throw it in the trash. 

Bill Whitaker: Did you look at the problem? 

Neliska Jackson is Ne'Kiya's mother.

Neliska Jackson: Personally I did not. 'Cause most of the time I don't understand what she's doing (laughter).

Michelle Blouin Williams: What if we did this, what if I write this? Does this help? ax² plus ….

Their math teacher, Michelle Blouin Williams, initiated the math contest.

Bill Whitaker: And did you think anyone would solve it?

Michelle Blouin Williams: Well, I wasn't necessarily looking for a solve. So, no, I didn't—

Bill Whitaker: What were you looking for?

Michelle Blouin Williams: I was just looking for some ingenuity, you know—

Calcea and Ne'Kiya delivered on that! They tried to explain their groundbreaking work to 60 Minutes. Calcea's proof is appropriately titled the Waffle Cone.

Calcea Johnson: So to start the proof, we start with just a regular right triangle where the angle in the corner is 90°. And the two angles are alpha and beta.

Bill Whitaker: Uh-huh

Calcea Johnson: So then what we do next is we draw a second congruent, which means they're equal in size. But then we start creating similar but smaller right triangles going in a pattern like this. And then it continues for infinity. And eventually it creates this larger waffle cone shape.

Calcea Johnson: Am I going a little too—

Bill Whitaker: You've been beyond me since the beginning. (laughter) 

Bill Whitaker: So how did you figure out the proof?

Ne'Kiya Jackson: Okay. So you have a right triangle, 90° angle, alpha and beta.

Bill Whitaker: Then what did you do?

Ne'Kiya Jackson: Okay, I have a right triangle inside of the circle. And I have a perpendicular bisector at OP to divide the triangle to make that small right triangle. And that's basically what I used for the proof. That's the proof.

Bill Whitaker: That's what I call amazing.

Ne'Kiya Jackson: Well, thank you.

There had been one other documented proof of the theorem using trigonometry by mathematician Jason Zimba in 2009 – one in 2,000 years. Now it seems Ne'Kiya and Calcea have joined perhaps the most exclusive club in mathematics. 

Bill Whitaker: So you both independently came up with proof that only used trigonometry.

Ne'Kiya Jackson: Yes.

Bill Whitaker: So are you math geniuses?

Calcea Johnson: I think that's a stretch. 

Bill Whitaker: If not genius, you're really smart at math.

Ne'Kiya Jackson: Not at all. (laugh) 

To document Calcea and Ne'Kiya's work, math teachers at St. Mary's submitted their proofs to an American Mathematical Society conference in Atlanta in March 2023.

Ne'Kiya Jackson: Well, our teacher approached us and was like, "Hey, you might be able to actually present this," I was like, "Are you joking?" But she wasn't. So we went. I got up there. We presented and it went well, and it blew up.

Bill Whitaker: It blew up.

Calcea Johnson: Yeah. 

Ne'Kiya Jackson: It blew up.

Bill Whitaker: Yeah. What was the blowup like?

Calcea Johnson: Insane, unexpected, crazy, honestly.

It took millenia to prove, but just a minute for word of their accomplishment to go around the world. They got a write-up in South Korea and a shout-out from former first lady Michelle Obama, a commendation from the governor and keys to the city of New Orleans. 

Bill Whitaker: Why do you think so many people found what you did to be so impressive?

Ne'Kiya Jackson: Probably because we're African American, one. And we're also women. So I think-- oh, and our age. Of course our ages probably played a big part.

Bill Whitaker: So you think people were surprised that young African American women, could do such a thing?

Calcea Johnson: Yeah, definitely.

Ne'Kiya Jackson: I'd like to actually be celebrated for what it is. Like, it's a great mathematical achievement.

Achievement, that's a word you hear often around St. Mary's academy. Calcea and Ne'Kiya follow a long line of barrier-breaking graduates. 

The late queen of Creole cooking, Leah Chase , was an alum. so was the first African-American female New Orleans police chief, Michelle Woodfork …

And judge for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Dana Douglas. Math teacher Michelle Blouin Williams told us Calcea and Ne'Kiya are typical St. Mary's students.  

Bill Whitaker: They're not unicorns.

Michelle Blouin Williams: Oh, no no. If they are unicorns, then every single lady that has matriculated through this school is a beautiful, Black unicorn.

Pamela Rogers: You're good?

Pamela Rogers, St. Mary's president and interim principal, told us the students hear that message from the moment they walk in the door.

Pamela Rogers: We believe all students can succeed, all students can learn. It does not matter the environment that you live in. 

Bill Whitaker: So when word went out that two of your students had solved this almost impossible math problem, were they universally applauded?

Pamela Rogers: In this community, they were greatly applauded. Across the country, there were many naysayers.

Bill Whitaker: What were they saying?

Pamela Rogers: They were saying, "Oh, they could not have done it. African Americans don't have the brains to do it." Of course, we sheltered our girls from that. But we absolutely did not expect it to come in the volume that it came.  

Bill Whitaker: And after such a wonderful achievement.

Pamela Rogers: People-- have a vision of who can be successful. And-- to some people, it is not always an African American female. And to us, it's always an African American female.

Gloria Ladson-Billings: What we know is when teachers lay out some expectations that say, "You can do this," kids will work as hard as they can to do it.

Gloria Ladson-Billings, professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin, has studied how best to teach African American students. She told us an encouraging teacher can change a life.

Bill Whitaker: And what's the difference, say, between having a teacher like that and a whole school dedicated to the excellence of these students?

Gloria Ladson-Billings: So a whole school is almost like being in Heaven. 

Bill Whitaker: What do you mean by that?

Gloria Ladson-Billings: Many of our young people have their ceilings lowered, that somewhere around fourth or fifth grade, their thoughts are, "I'm not going to be anything special." What I think is probably happening at St. Mary's is young women come in as, perhaps, ninth graders and are told, "Here's what we expect to happen. And here's how we're going to help you get there."

At St. Mary's, half the students get scholarships, subsidized by fundraising to defray the $8,000 a year tuition. Here, there's no test to get in, but expectations are high and rules are strict: no cellphones, modest skirts, hair must be its natural color.

Students Rayah Siddiq, Summer Forde, Carissa Washington, Tatum Williams and Christina Blazio told us they appreciate the rules and rigor.

Rayah Siddiq: Especially the standards that they set for us. They're very high. And I don't think that's ever going to change.

Bill Whitaker: So is there a heart, a philosophy, an essence to St. Mary's?

Summer Forde: The sisterhood—

Carissa Washington: Sisterhood.

Tatum Williams: Sisterhood.

Bill Whitaker: The sisterhood?

Voices: Yes.

Bill Whitaker: And you don't mean the nuns. You mean-- (laughter)

Christina Blazio: I mean, yeah. The community—

Bill Whitaker: So when you're here, there's just no question that you're going to go on to college.

Rayah Siddiq: College is all they talk about. (laughter) 

Pamela Rogers: … and Arizona State University (Cheering)

Principal Rogers announces to her 615 students the colleges where every senior has been accepted.

Bill Whitaker: So for 17 years, you've had a 100% graduation rate—

Pamela Rogers: Yes.

Bill Whitaker: --and a 100% college acceptance rate?

Pamela Rogers: That's correct.

Last year when Ne'Kiya and Calcea graduated, all their classmates went to college and got scholarships. Ne'Kiya got a full ride to the pharmacy school at Xavier University in New Orleans. Calcea, the class valedictorian, is studying environmental engineering at Louisiana State University.

Bill Whitaker: So wait a minute. Neither one of you is going to pursue a career in math?

Both: No. (laugh)

Calcea Johnson: I may take up a minor in math. But I don't want that to be my job job.

Ne'Kiya Jackson: Yeah. People might expect too much out of me if (laugh) I become a mathematician. (laugh)

But math is not completely in their rear-view mirrors. This spring they submitted their high school proofs for final peer review and publication … and are still working on further proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem. Since their first two …

Calcea Johnson: We found five. And then we found a general format that could potentially produce at least five additional proofs.

Bill Whitaker: And you're not math geniuses?

Bill Whitaker: I'm not buying it. (laughs)

Produced by Sara Kuzmarov. Associate producer, Mariah B. Campbell. Edited by Daniel J. Glucksman.

Bill Whitaker is an award-winning journalist and 60 Minutes correspondent who has covered major news stories, domestically and across the globe, for more than four decades with CBS News.

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The Sunday Read: ‘Why Did This Guy Put a Song About Me on Spotify?’

The answer involves a remarkable — and lucrative, and ridiculous — scheme to game the way we find music today..

By Brett Martin

Read by Eric Jason Martin

Produced by Adrienne Hurst and Aaron Esposito

Narration produced by Tanya Pérez and Krish Seenivasan

Edited by John Woo

Original music by Aaron Esposito

Engineered by Sophia Lanman and Devin Murphy

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Have you heard the song “Brett Martin, You a Nice Man, Yes”?

Probably not. On Spotify, “Brett Martin, You a Nice Man, Yes” has not yet accumulated enough streams to even register a tally. Even Brett Martin, a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine and the titular Nice Man, didn’t hear the 1 minute 14 second song until last summer, a full 11 years after it was uploaded by an artist credited as Papa Razzi and the Photogs.

When Martin stumbled on “Brett Martin, You a Nice Man, Yes,” he naturally assumed it was about a different, more famous Brett Martin: perhaps Brett Martin, the left-handed reliever who until recently played for the Texas Rangers; or Brett Martin, the legendary Australian squash player; or even Clara Brett Martin, the Canadian who in 1897 became the British Empire’s first female lawyer. Only when the singer began referencing details of stories that he made for public radio’s “This American Life” almost 20 years ago did he realize the song was actually about him. The song ended, “I really like you/Will you be my friend?/Will you call me on the phone?” Then it gave a phone number, with a New Hampshire area code.

So, he called.

There are a lot of ways to listen to ‘The Daily.’ Here’s how.

We want to hear from you. Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at [email protected] . Follow Michael Barbaro on X: @mikiebarb . And if you’re interested in advertising with The Daily, write to us at [email protected] .

Additional production for The Sunday Read was contributed by Isabella Anderson, Anna Diamond, Sarah Diamond, Elena Hecht, Emma Kehlbeck, Tanya Pérez, Frannie Carr Toth and Krish Seenivasan.

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