Bridges in Mathematics Grade 5, Unit 4: Multiplying & Dividing Whole Numbers & Decimals
In this unit, your child uses place value to multiply and divide larger numbers. They multiply multi-digit numbers with the stacked written method, divide four-digit numbers by two-digit divisors, and multiply and divide decimals to hundredths. Estimating first keeps answers sensible. It builds on the place value and decimals unit and leads into multiplying and dividing fractions.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 4?
- Multiplying multi-digit numbers like 236 × 14 with the written method, keeping each partial product lined up by place value. Learn more: Multiplying big numbers, like 213 × 32
- Dividing numbers up to four digits by two-digit divisors, like 1,248 ÷ 24, using friendly chunks and multiplication. Learn more: Dividing by two-digit numbers, like 480 ÷ 16
- Multiplying and dividing decimals to hundredths, like 1.5 × 3 or 4.8 ÷ 4, and checking where the decimal point belongs. Learn more about adding and subtracting decimals to hundredths: Adding and subtracting decimals to hundredths · Learn more about multiplying decimals to hundredths · Learn more about dividing decimals to hundredths
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Each apple tree in an orchard grows 30 apples. The orchard has 120 trees. How many apples do the trees grow?
- 36,000
- 3,600
- 150
How you can help
- Estimate a big purchase together, like 24 cans of soup at $1.85 each. Ask your child to round first, about 24 × $2, then work out the exact total of $44.40.
- Split a pretend bill evenly: 4 people share a $58.60 meal. Ask your child to estimate first, then divide to find each person's share, $14.65.
- Plan a party with your child: 375 cookies packed 15 to a box. Ask how many boxes you need, then check the quotient, 25, by multiplying 25 × 15.
Where kids can get stuck
- Forgetting the placeholder zero, so 213 × 32 becomes 426 + 639 = 1,065 instead of 6,816.
- Losing track of partial quotients, so for 384 ÷ 12 they find 30 and 2 but write 302.
- Writing 0.2 × 0.3 as 0.6 instead of 0.06, losing track of tenths times tenths.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- product
- The answer to a multiplication problem, like 24 in 6 × 4 = 24.
- factor
- One of the numbers being multiplied, like 6 or 4 in 6 × 4.
- partial product
- The answer from multiplying one part of a number, added up to find the whole product.
- dividend
- The number being divided, like 32 in 32 ÷ 4.
- divisor
- The number you divide by, like 4 in 32 ÷ 4.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem, like 8 in 32 ÷ 4 = 8.
- remainder
- The amount left over when a number does not divide evenly.
- estimate
- To find an answer that is about right by rounding to friendly numbers first.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with multiplying and dividing?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Bridges in Mathematics Grade 5 Unit 4 cover?
Bridges in Mathematics Grade 5 Unit 4 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.