Welcome to the BCPS Fifth Grade Math Information Page!
Fifth Grade Math Content
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The Baltimore County Public Schools elementary mathematics program is designed so that each student has access to rigorous instruction and engages in the habits of mind of proficient mathematical thinkers.
In Grade 5 instructional time should focus on three critical areas: (1) developing fluency with addition and subtraction of fractions, and developing understanding of the multiplication of fractions and of division of fractions in limited cases (unit fractions divided by whole numbers and whole numbers divided by unit fractions); (2) extending division to 2-digit divisors, integrating decimal fractions into the place value system and developing understanding of operations with decimals to the hundredths, and developing fluency with whole number and decimal operations; and (3) developing understanding of volume.
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Proficient Mathematical Thinkers
- Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
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Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
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Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
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Model with mathematics.
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Use appropriate tools strategically.
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Attend to precision.
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Look for and make use of structure.
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Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
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(1) Students apply their understanding of fractions and fraction models to represent the addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators as equivalent calculations with like denominators. They develop fluency in calculating sums and differences of fractions, and make reasonable estimates of them. Students also use the meaning of fractions, of multiplication and division, and the relationship between multiplication and division to understand and explain why the procedures for multiplying and dividing fractions make sense. (Note: this is limited to the case of dividing unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions.)
(2) Students develop understanding of why division procedures work based on the meaning of base-ten numerals and properties of operations. They finalize fluency with multi-digit addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They apply their understandings of models for decimals, decimal notation, and properties of operations to add and subtract decimals to hundredths. They develop fluency in these computations, and make reasonable estimates of their results. Students use the relationship between decimals and fractions, as well as the relationship between finite decimals and whole numbers (i.e., a finite decimal multiplied by an appropriate power of 10 is a whole number), to understand and explain why the procedures for multiplying and dividing finite decimals make sense. They compute products and quotients of decimals to hundredths efficiently and accurately.
(3) Students recognize volume as an attribute of three-dimensional space. They understand that volume can be measured by finding the total number of same-size units of volume required to fill the space without gaps or overlaps. They understand that a 1-unit by 1-unit by 1-unit cube is the standard unit for measuring volume. They select appropriate units, strategies, and tools for solving problems that involve estimating and measuring volume. They decompose three-dimensional shapes and find volumes of right rectangular prisms by viewing them as decomposed into layers of arrays of cubes. They measure necessary attributes of shapes in order to determine volumes to solve real world and mathematical problems.
Fifth Grade Math Curriculum
In fifth grade, students focus on computing with fractions, dividing with larger numbers, calculating with decimal numbers, and finding the volume of rectangular prisms. Throughout the year they:
- Add, subtract, and multiply fractions
- Divide unit fractions by whole numbers
- Divide whole numbers by unit fractions
- Calculate with decimal numbers
- Find the volume of rectangular prisms (boxlike shapes)
The math might sometimes seem unfamiliar or different than you remember, but there are many ways you can help!
- Invite your child to talk about the math by asking questions like, “Did you do a problem like this at school? How did you think about it?”
- Focus on the pictures. Bridges uses visual models to make the mathematics accessible to all learners. Talking about the picture is a great way to get started. Ask questions like, "What do you notice about this picture? Where do you see the numbers in this picture? Can we use the picture to help solve the problem?"
By being open to learning and talking with your child, you can help your child develop strong skills and a love of math.
Fifth Grade Math Family Support Resources