Everyday Mathematics Grade 5, Unit 5: Operations with Fractions
In this unit, your child multiplies fractions, like 2/3 × 4/5, by thinking of 'a fraction of' an amount, and uses that to solve real problems such as halving a recipe. They also divide unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions. It extends the fraction addition from earlier in the year and leads into measurement and multiplying decimals.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 5?
- Multiplying a fraction or whole number by a fraction, like 2/3 × 4/5, and seeing it as finding a fraction of an amount. Learn more: Multiplying fractions, like 2/3 × 4/5
- Solving real problems that multiply fractions and mixed numbers, such as scaling a recipe or finding a fractional area. Learn more: Multiplying fractions in real life, like recipes
- Dividing a unit fraction by a whole number, like 1/2 ÷ 4, and a whole number by a unit fraction, like 5 ÷ 1/3. Learn more: Dividing with fractions, like 1/2 ÷ 4
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
The blue part of the rectangle shows 1/3 × 2/5, and the whole rectangle is 1. What is 1/3 × 2/5?
- 2/15
- 2/13
- 3/8
How you can help
- Halve a no-cook recipe together, such as a smoothie or trail mix. Ask what half of 3/4 cup is, and check it with measuring cups.
- Share food in fair pieces, like half a sandwich split among 3 people. Ask what fraction of the whole sandwich each person gets, and draw it to check.
- Scoop with a 1/4 cup measure when pouring rice or cereal. Ask how many scoops it takes to fill 2 cups, and why dividing by a fraction gives a bigger number.
Where kids can get stuck
- Multiplying a whole number by both parts of a fraction, so 3 × 2/5 gets written as 6/15 instead of 6/5.
- Adding when a problem says 'half of,' so half of 3/4 comes out as 1 1/4 instead of 3/8.
- Multiplying instead of dividing, so 5 ÷ 1/3 gets 5/3 instead of 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
- product
- The answer to a multiplication problem.
- unit fraction
- A fraction with 1 as its numerator, like 1/3.
- numerator
- The top number in a fraction, telling how many parts you have.
- denominator
- The bottom number in a fraction, telling how many equal parts make a whole.
- mixed number
- A whole number and a fraction together, like 2 1/2.
- of
- In fraction problems, 'of' usually means multiply, as in 1/2 of 8.
- dividend
- The number being divided.
- divisor
- The number you divide by.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem.
Want to help your child master multiplying and dividing fractions?
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 5 cover?
Everyday Mathematics Grade 5 Unit 5 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.