Fifth grade students will be taught many new mathematical concepts over the course of the year, including how to identify prime numbers, use prime factorization, and factor numbers. They will also build upon prior knowledge and learn to add and subtract fractions, mixed numbers and decimals, use estimation, explore negative numbers and use exponential notation.
Fifth grade students will learn to evaluate expressions, use variables to represent unknowns, and solve both single-step linear equations and single-step inequalities. The number line will be used to show absolute value, and students will utilize the order of operations to solve algebraic expressions.
Geometry is a critical component of any fifth grade math curriculum. Students will learn many new concepts, including how to find the area of a convex polygon, the area of a triangle in relationship to the area of a parallelogram, and how to calculate surface area and volume.
Measurement in the fifth grade requires that students recognize the importance of using estimation and approximation. Students will also learn how to choose appropriate tools of measurement for varying tasks. Weight and temperature will also be a focus in this grade level.
Fifth grade mathematics includes a strong emphasis on data, statistics and probability. Students will continue to build upon their prior knowledge of bar, line and circle graphs, utilize various data collection methods, and explore using different measures of central tendency.