Grade 5 Math Goals

Grade 5 math goals focus on building fluency in multi-digit operations, deepening understanding of fractions and decimals, and introducing foundational algebra and geometry concepts. Students broaden their understanding of parts or parts of a whole.

Here are the key learning objectives for fifth graders:

1. Number Sense & Place Value

  • Understand place value for whole numbers and decimals up to the thousandths.
  • Read, write, compare, and round multi-digit whole numbers and decimals.
  • Use powers of 10 to understand place value shifts (e.g., 10 times greater or smaller).

2. Operations with Whole Numbers & Decimals

  • Fluently multiply multi-digit numbers.
  • Divide up to four-digit numbers by two-digit numbers.
  • Divide using partial quotients and long division.
  • Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals to the hundredths.
  • Solve multi-step word problems using all four operations.

3. Fractions & Mixed Numbers

  • Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators.
  • Multiply fractions and whole numbers, as well as fractions by fractions.
  • Divide whole numbers by unit fractions and vice versa.
  • Convert between improper fractions and mixed numbers.
  • Model adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions.

4. Measurement & Geometry

  • Calculate the area, perimeter, and volume of geometric figures.
  • Understand the coordinate plane and plot points in the first quadrant.
  • Classify two-dimensional shapes based on properties (e.g., quadrilaterals, triangles).

5. Data, Graphing, & Probability

  • Interpret and create line plots, bar graphs, and coordinate graphs.
  • Solve problems using data from graphs.

6. Algebraic Thinking & Patterns

  • Write and evaluate expressions using parentheses, brackets, or braces.
  • Introduce simple algebraic equations.
  • Identify and generate number patterns based on rules.
  • Understand relationships between numerical expressions without solving (e.g., 2 × (3 + 4) vs. (2 × 3) + (2 × 4)).