Fifth Grade Math Word Problems

In fifth grade, a good deal of the math curricula is dedicated to fractions, percentages and decimals. Because these concepts are often applied to real life - for example, when leaving a tip at a restaurant or doubling ingredients for a recipe - it can be beneficial for your child to explore them through word problems, as well as numerical equations. You can help your student at home by writing your own word problems for extra practice.

Find available tutors

How Can I Create My Own Fifth Grade Math Word Problems?

Word problems can show students the connection between the concepts they're learning in math class and the application of those concepts in everyday life. They also can help your fifth grader develop critical thinking strategies that will last a lifetime.

To create word problems that are both fun and effective, try making them about topics your child enjoys. For instance, if your son or daughter is a fan of baseball, you could develop practice problems about statistics or stadium sizes. Money and baking are other topics that include math and might catch your child's interest.

Also, when creating word problems at home, be sure to incorporate keywords that can help your child determine which mathematical operation he or she should use. For instance, the words 'of' and 'times' indicate that your child should use multiplication, while 'per' and 'out of' suggest that a problem can be solved by dividing. 'Altogether,' 'sum' and 'total' might be used for addition word problems, while 'difference' and 'less than' refer to subtraction.

Sample Word Problems by Topic

Sports

If Eve hits 4 of the 7 pitches thrown to her, what is her batting percentage?

Your child should divide 4 by 7, which rounds to 0.571, which is how batting percentages are reported in the majors. You could have your child continue this problem by multiplying 0.571 x 100, thus determining that Eve hits the ball about 57.1% of the time.

Money

For his party, Jerry bought 4 cupcakes for $3.22 each. He also bought a cake for $15.12. The sales tax on his purchases was 5%. How much money did Jerry spend?

This problem involves several steps. First, your child should determine the cost of the cupcakes by multiplying 4 x $3.22. The answer - $12.88 - should be added to the cost of the cake - $15.12 - for a total of $28. Next, your child should determine the sales tax by multiplying $28 x 0.05, which equals $1.40. Finally, he or she should add the cost of the cake and cupcakes with the cost of the sales tax: $28 + $1.40 = $29.40. Jerry spent $29.40 total.

Baking

Meg's pancake recipe calls for 1/2 cup of white sugar and 3/4 cup of brown sugar. How much sugar will she use altogether?

This problem requires that your child add fractions. First, he or she must convert 1/2 to 2/4 so that the numbers being added have the same denominator. Then, your child can add: 2/4 + 3/4 = 5/4, or 1 1/4. Meg used 1 1/4 cups of sugar.
Did you find this useful? If so, please let others know!

Other Articles You May Be Interested In

  • More Blog Articles
    Why Math Skills Are Up, But Reading Skills Are Down

    The results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests are in, and the news is mixed: basically, kids can do math, but if there are word problems they might have difficulty reading them. Why are there larger gains in math and only modest improvement in reading? And are these results reflective of every state...

  • More Blog Articles
    Tips to Helping your Sixth Grader with Math Word Problems

    Math word problems can be confusing, but there are ways you can help your sixth grader understand them. Read on to learn more about how to best solve math word problems.

We Found 7 Tutors You Might Be Interested In

Huntington Learning

  • What Huntington Learning offers:
  • Online and in-center tutoring
  • One on one tutoring
  • Every Huntington tutor is certified and trained extensively on the most effective teaching methods
In-Center and Online

K12

  • What K12 offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Has a strong and effective partnership with public and private schools
  • AdvancED-accredited corporation meeting the highest standards of educational management
Online Only

Kaplan Kids

  • What Kaplan Kids offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Customized learning plans
  • Real-Time Progress Reports track your child's progress
Online Only

Kumon

  • What Kumon offers:
  • In-center tutoring
  • Individualized programs for your child
  • Helps your child develop the skills and study habits needed to improve their academic performance
In-Center and Online

Sylvan Learning

  • What Sylvan Learning offers:
  • Online and in-center tutoring
  • Sylvan tutors are certified teachers who provide personalized instruction
  • Regular assessment and progress reports
In-Home, In-Center and Online

Tutor Doctor

  • What Tutor Doctor offers:
  • In-Home tutoring
  • One on one attention by the tutor
  • Develops personlized programs by working with your child's existing homework
In-Home Only

TutorVista

  • What TutorVista offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Student works one-on-one with a professional tutor
  • Using the virtual whiteboard workspace to share problems, solutions and explanations
Online Only

Our Commitment to You

  • Free Help from Teachers

  • Free Learning Materials

  • Helping Disadvantaged Youth