Everyday Mathematics Grade 5, Unit 8: Applications of Measurement, Computation, and Graphing
In this unit, your child brings the year's skills together on real problems. They make line plots of measurements in halves, fourths, and eighths; compute with decimals, such as prices and distances; and graph real data on a coordinate grid, explaining what each point means. It follows the unit on mixed numbers and shapes and rounds out fifth grade.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 8?
- Making line plots of measurements in halves, fourths, and eighths, and using fraction operations to answer questions about the data. Learn more: Measurement charts with halves, quarters, and eighths
- Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals in real problems, like totals, change, and unit prices, using place value. 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
- Graphing points from real situations on a coordinate grid and telling what each point means in words, not just numbers. 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
Each X shows the side length of one square picture frame in the art room. The marks on the line are 1/4 foot apart. What is the distance around the largest frame?
- 1 9/16 square feet
- 5 feet
- 2 1/2 feet
How you can help
- Measure several pencils, leaves, or pieces of string to the nearest eighth of an inch. Make a line plot with Xs together, then find the total or difference of two lengths.
- Compare prices at the store, like $3.60 for 4 yogurts and $5.10 for 6. Ask your child to find the cost of one in each pack, and which is the better deal.
- Time a regular walk for several days and plot each day as a point. Ask your child to say what one point means in a full sentence.
Where kids can get stuck
- Counting the Xs on a line plot when asked for a total, instead of adding the fraction each X stands for.
- Lining up the last digits instead of the decimal points, so 3.4 + 1.25 comes out as 1.59 instead of 4.65.
- Describing a point only as '3 across and 6 up,' without saying what the numbers mean, like 6 centimeters after 3 weeks.
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
- line plot
- A number line with Xs above it showing how often each value appears.
- data
- Information collected, often numbers or measurements.
- eighth
- One of 8 equal parts of a whole, written 1/8.
- decimal point
- The dot that separates the whole number from the parts of a whole.
- hundredth
- One of 100 equal parts of a whole, written 0.01.
- ordered pair
- Two numbers in order, like (6, 3), that name one point on a grid.
- scale
- How much each step on an axis stands for, like counting by 5s.
- interpret
- To explain what a number, point, or expression means.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with measurement, decimals, and graphs?
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 8 cover?
Everyday Mathematics Grade 5 Unit 8 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.