Everyday Mathematics Grade 5, Unit 7: Multiplication of Mixed Numbers, Geometry, Graphs
In this unit, your child multiplies fractions and mixed numbers, including finding the area of rectangles with fractional sides. They also sort two-dimensional shapes into a hierarchy by their properties, learning why a square is also a rectangle and a rhombus. It follows the decimal and measurement work and sets up the final unit, where measurement, computation, and graphing come together.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 7?
- Multiplying fractions and mixed numbers, and finding the area of a rectangle with fractional side lengths by tiling or multiplying. Learn more: Multiplying fractions, like 2/3 × 4/5
- Explaining that a shape keeps every property of its larger category, so a square has all the properties of a rectangle. Learn more: Why a square is also a rectangle
- Sorting quadrilaterals into a hierarchy by sides and angles, showing where parallelograms, rectangles, rhombuses, and squares fit. Learn more: Sorting four-sided shapes into a family tree
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
- Measure a sheet of printer paper, which is 8 1/2 by 11 inches, or a placemat to the nearest half inch. Ask your child to multiply the sides to find its area.
- Go on a shape hunt on a walk or around the house. For each four-sided shape, ask your child to name every family it belongs to, not just one.
- Play 'Always, sometimes, or never' with shapes: is a rectangle a square? Is a square a rhombus? Ask your child to explain using sides and angles.
Where kids can get stuck
- Multiplying the whole numbers and the fractions separately, so 2 1/2 × 1 1/2 becomes 2 1/4 instead of 3 3/4.
- Insisting a square is not a rectangle because rectangles must have two long sides and two short sides.
- Calling a square tipped onto its corner a 'diamond,' naming the shape by how it is turned instead of its properties.
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
- mixed number
- A whole number and a fraction together, like 2 1/2.
- area
- The number of square units that cover a flat shape.
- quadrilateral
- Any closed flat shape with 4 straight sides.
- parallelogram
- A quadrilateral with two pairs of parallel sides.
- rectangle
- A parallelogram with 4 right angles.
- rhombus
- A parallelogram with 4 equal sides.
- square
- A quadrilateral with 4 equal sides and 4 square corners.
- attribute
- A feature of a shape, like the number of sides or right angles.
- hierarchy
- A family tree that shows how groups fit inside bigger groups.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with fractions and shapes?
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 Everyday Mathematics Grade 5 Unit 7 cover?
Everyday Mathematics Grade 5 Unit 7 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.