5th Grade Math Assessment: What 5th Graders Should Know

Overview of 5th Grade Math

Fractions

By 5th grade, students begin to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators. When encountering a problem like 2/6 + 2/3, students will find a common denominator and create an equivalent fraction in order to add the two fractional parts together. For instance, the numerator and denominator for the fraction 2/3 can be multiplied by two to create the equivalent fraction 4/6. Then, it is possible to add 2/6 + 4/6, which equals 6/6.

Students in 5th grade also add and subtract mixed numbers using a similar strategy. For instance, in a problem like 3 1/6 - 2/6, the student would first have to convert the mixed number (3 1/6) into an improper fraction (19/6). Then, he or she could subtract like normal (19/6 - 2/6 = 17/6). Your child may also encounter word problems that include fractions.

Numerical Operations

In 5th grade, the basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) become more difficult because of the inclusion of multi-digit numbers and decimals. Your child will likely be tested on his or her ability to solve division problems with 2-digit divisors, such as 150 ÷ 30.

Additionally, 5th graders add and subtract decimals to the hundredths place. Your child may also have to round when solving these kinds of problems. If he or she were adding 4.351 + 1.398, the answer would be 5.749. Your child might then be asked to round the final answer to the hundredths place. If so, the answer would be 5.75.

Volume

Volume is the amount of space that a 3-dimensional object occupies. Students calculate volume by using the formula V = l x w x h. In this formula, V stands for volume, l is length, w is width and h is height. Although this formula may be provided on tests, it can be worthwhile to have your child memorize it.

Some of the volume questions on the assessment will likely be word problems in which students must calculate the volume of a real-world object. It's important to remember that all answers should be labeled in cubic units, like cubic inches or cubic feet.