Math Expressions Grade 5, Unit 5: Division with Whole Numbers and Decimals
In this unit, your child divides numbers up to four digits by two-digit divisors, like 480 ÷ 16, using place value, multiplication, and estimation. They decide what to do with a remainder, then extend division to decimals, such as $7.50 ÷ 3 or 3 ÷ 0.5. It follows decimal multiplication and leads into a unit of mixed operations and word problems.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 5?
- Dividing up to four-digit numbers by two-digit divisors, like 480 ÷ 16, using partial quotients and multiplication facts. Learn more: Dividing by two-digit numbers, like 480 ÷ 16
- Dividing decimals by whole numbers and by decimals, like 3 ÷ 0.5, and checking each quotient with multiplication. 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
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 equation can you use to find 1,350 ÷ 45?
- 45 × ? = 1,350
- 1,350 × 45 = ?
- 45 ÷ 1,350 = ?
How you can help
- Split something big with division, like 300 napkins for 12 tables or 448 pages read over 14 days. Ask how many per table or per day.
- Share a cost evenly, like $7.50 for 3 people or $12.60 for 4. Ask your child to divide and then multiply back to check.
- Pour 3 cups of water using a 1/2 cup scoop, then ask how many scoops it took. Connect it to 3 ÷ 0.5 = 6 and why the answer is bigger than 3.
Where kids can get stuck
- Losing track of partial quotients, so for 384 ÷ 12 they find 30 and 2 but write 302 instead of 32.
- Mishandling a remainder, writing 500 ÷ 16 as 314 instead of 31 with 4 left over.
- Expecting division to always shrink a number, so 4 ÷ 0.5 gets 2 instead of 8.
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
- dividend
- The number being divided.
- divisor
- The number you divide by.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem.
- remainder
- The amount left over when a number can't be divided evenly.
- partial quotient
- Part of a division answer, found in chunks that are added at the end.
- decimal point
- The dot that separates the whole number from the parts of a whole.
- estimate
- A close guess found by rounding or using easy numbers.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with dividing whole numbers and decimals?
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 Math Expressions Grade 5 Unit 5 cover?
Math Expressions 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.