enVision Mathematics Grade 5, Topic 13: Write and Interpret Numerical Expressions
In this unit, your child writes and reads numerical expressions. They follow the order of operations, work from the inside of parentheses and brackets outward, and turn phrases like “three times the sum of 6 and 4” into 3 × (6 + 4) without calculating. After converting measurements, these algebra habits carry into graphing points on the coordinate plane next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 13?
- Evaluating expressions with parentheses and brackets, like 3 × [10 − (2 + 4)] = 12, working from the inside out. Learn more: Solving number sentences with parentheses
- Writing phrases as expressions, like three times the sum of 6 and 4 as 3 × (6 + 4), and comparing expressions without calculating. Learn more: Turning words into number sentences
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
Work out (25 - 5) × 3.
- 10
- 70
- 60
How you can help
- Challenge your child to add parentheses to 2 + 3 × 4 to make 20, then remove them to get 14. Take turns making up new puzzles at dinner.
- Say an expression aloud, like (10 − 4) × 2, and ask your child to tell a short story that matches it, such as 10 crackers, 4 eaten, and the rest doubled.
- Write 6 × (20 + 3) and 20 + 3 on a sticky note. Ask your child how the two compare without working them out, and listen for “six times as much.”
Where kids can get stuck
- Starting with the outer brackets, so in 3 × [10 − (2 + 4)] they do 10 − 2 first.
- Reading a memory phrase as “always multiply before dividing,” so 12 ÷ 2 × 3 becomes 2 instead of 18.
- Calculating before describing, so they find 5 × (14 + 9) = 115 instead of saying “five times the sum of 14 and 9.”
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
- expression
- A math phrase with numbers and signs, but no equal sign.
- parentheses
- Grouping marks ( ) around the part of an expression to work first.
- brackets
- Grouping marks [ ] that are worked after the parentheses inside them.
- evaluate
- To find the number an expression equals.
- order of operations
- The agreed order for solving: grouping symbols first, then multiply and divide, then add and subtract.
- sum
- The answer to an addition problem.
- product
- What you get when you multiply numbers together.
- interpret
- To explain what a number, expression, or answer means.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with writing expressions?
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 enVision Mathematics Grade 5 Topic 13 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 5 Topic 13 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.