Everyday Mathematics Grade 5, Unit 4: Decimal Concepts and Coordinate Grids
In this unit, your child reads, writes, and compares decimals to the thousandths, learning that 0.5 is greater than 0.48 even with fewer digits. They also meet the coordinate grid, plotting points like (6, 3) and graphing real data. It follows the fraction unit, since decimals are another way to write tenths and hundredths, 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?
- Reading, writing, and comparing decimals to the thousandths, using place value instead of counting digits. Learn more about reading and writing decimals to thousandths: Reading and writing decimals to thousandths · Learn more about comparing decimals to thousandths
- Locating points on a coordinate grid by starting at the origin, moving along the x-axis first, and then going up. Learn more: Finding points on a grid, like (6, 3)
- Graphing points from real situations, like a plant's growth over several weeks, and explaining what each point means. Learn more: Plotting real-life points on a grid
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
Which number is greater than 1.5?
- 1.500
- 1.52
- 1.499
How you can help
- Compare weights at the store, like 0.75 pounds and 0.8 pounds of cheese. Ask which is more, and why the number with fewer digits can be the larger one.
- Play a guessing game on a grid drawn on scrap paper: hide a point and give clues like (4, 2), always going across first and then up.
- Track the outdoor temperature at noon each day for a week. Plot day number across and temperature up, then talk about what each point shows.
Where kids can get stuck
- Thinking a longer decimal is larger, so 0.125 seems greater than 0.5 because 125 is greater than 5.
- Going up first and then across, so the point (6, 3) gets plotted where (3, 6) belongs.
- Ignoring an axis's scale, reading the third line as 3 when the axis counts by 5s and that line stands for 15.
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
- decimal
- A number with a decimal point, showing parts of a whole in tenths, hundredths, and smaller.
- thousandth
- One of 1,000 equal parts of a whole, written 0.001.
- place value
- The value a digit has because of its place in a number.
- compare
- To decide which number is greater, less, or whether they are equal.
- coordinate grid
- A grid with numbered lines across and up, used to locate points.
- origin
- The point (0, 0), where the two axes meet.
- x-axis
- The number line that runs across the bottom of a coordinate grid.
- y-axis
- The number line that runs up the side of a coordinate grid.
- ordered pair
- Two numbers in order, like (6, 3), that name one point on a grid.
Want to help your child master decimals and coordinate grids?
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 Everyday Mathematics Grade 5 Unit 4 cover?
Everyday 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.