Before children can begin to explore the more advanced concepts of math, they must first be taught how to properly compare large numbers. Children are instructed on how to work with numbers of multiple digits and how to order groupings of numbers over 1,000.
Once students have mastered ordering of numbers they are ready to begin working with addition and subtraction of those same large numbers. Children are taught principles such as carrying over numbers and how to perform a subtraction when the value of the digit in the number being subtracted from is smaller than the matching digit from the number being subtracted.
While early grade levels work exclusively with whole numbers, fifth grade students are introduced to fractional and decimal representation of numbers other than whole numbers. Students are taught how to convert between fractions and decimals as well as how to perform simple calculations with fractions and decimals.
Fifth grade students begin lessons on the different areas of measurement that we use, including measurements of time, distance, volume and weight. In addition to imperial measurement, children are introduced to the metric system, and the nomenclature that remains consistent across the various fields of measurement.