Eureka Math Grade 5, Module 2: Multi-Digit Whole Number and Decimal Operations
In this unit, your child takes on the heavy lifting of fifth-grade arithmetic: multiplying multi-digit numbers with the written method, dividing by two-digit numbers, and doing both with decimals. They write expressions with parentheses to show the order of steps and estimate before calculating. It builds on decimal place value and comes before adding and subtracting fractions.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Module 2?
- Evaluating expressions with parentheses, like (30 × 4) + (6 × 4), to show how a product splits into parts. Learn more: Solving number sentences with parentheses
- Writing expressions such as 3 × (285 + 15) for word problems, and reading what an expression means before solving. Learn more: Turning words into number sentences
- Multiplying by multiples of 10, like 40 × 60 = 2,400, and using powers of 10 to estimate products. Learn more: Multiplying and dividing by 10, 100, and 1,000
- Multiplying numbers like 342 × 26 with the written method, checking against an estimate like 300 × 30. Learn more: Multiplying big numbers, like 213 × 32
- Dividing by two-digit numbers, like 2,850 ÷ 38, by estimating each digit of the quotient and adjusting. Learn more: Dividing by two-digit numbers, like 480 ÷ 16
- Multiplying and dividing decimals by whole numbers and decimals, like 2.4 × 13 or 7.2 ÷ 0.8. 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
- Converting units in multi-step problems, like how many 0.25-liter cups a 2-liter jug fills, using multiplication and division. Learn more: Converting feet to yards and grams to kilograms
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
- Plan a pretend school trip: 28 students each pay $14.50. Ask your child to estimate first, about 30 × $15, then find the exact total, $406.
- Ask your child how many pages a day it takes to read 1,140 pages in 30 days. Let them estimate first, then divide to find 38 pages.
- Describe a purchase in words, like 3 friends each buying a $4 drink and a $2 snack. Ask your child to write it as 3 × (4 + 2) before finding $18.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding a carried digit from the first row into the second row of partial products, throwing the product off.
- Trying a quotient digit that is too big, like 8 when 285 ÷ 38 needs 7, then getting stuck.
- Leaving out parentheses, so “add 4 and 6, then double it” becomes 4 + 6 × 2 = 16 instead of 20.
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.
- partial product
- The answer from multiplying one part of a number, added up to find the whole product.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem, like 8 in 32 ÷ 4 = 8.
- divisor
- The number you divide by, like 4 in 32 ÷ 4.
- dividend
- The number being divided, like 32 in 32 ÷ 4.
- estimate
- To find an answer that is about right by rounding to friendly numbers first.
- expression
- Numbers and operation signs written together to show a calculation, like 3 × (4 + 2).
- parentheses
- The curved symbols ( ) that tell you to do the math inside them first.
- decimal point
- The dot in a number like 4.25 that comes right after the ones place.
Want to help your child master multi-digit operations?
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.
Join the club
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 Eureka Math Grade 5 Module 2 cover?
Eureka Math Grade 5 Module 2 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 5.OA.A.1: Solve problems with parentheses and brackets, working inside first.
- 5.OA.A.2: Turn words into calculations like (5 + 7) × 3, and explain them.
- 5.NBT.A.2: Multiply and divide by 10, 100, and 1,000, and see how the digits shift.
- 5.NBT.B.5: Fluently multiply larger numbers, like 213 × 32.
- 5.NBT.B.6: Divide by a two-digit number, like 480 ÷ 16.
- 5.NBT.B.7: Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals to hundredths.
- 5.MD.A.1: Convert between units, like feet and yards, to solve problems.
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.