Math Expressions Grade 5, Unit 7: Algebra, Patterns, and Coordinate Graphs
In this unit, your child writes and evaluates expressions with parentheses and brackets, and turns phrases like 'add 5 and 7, then triple it' into numbers and symbols. They build number patterns from rules, compare them, and plot the pairs on a coordinate grid, then graph real data. It follows the word-problem unit and leads into measurement and geometry.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 7?
- Evaluating expressions with parentheses and brackets, like 3 × [10 − (2 + 4)], by working the innermost group first. Learn more: Solving number sentences with parentheses
- Writing expressions from words, like 'add 5 and 7, then triple it,' and describing what an expression means without calculating. Learn more: Turning words into number sentences
- Generating two number patterns from two rules, comparing the matching terms, and graphing the pairs as ordered pairs. Learn more: Comparing two number patterns on a grid
- Plotting and naming points on a coordinate grid, starting at the origin and going along the x-axis before going up. Learn more: Finding points on a grid, like (6, 3)
- Graphing real-world pairs, like weeks and plant heights, and explaining what each point on the grid represents. 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
Work out (25 - 5) × 3.
- 10
- 70
- 60
How you can help
- Turn errands into expressions: 'We bought 3 bags of 4 apples, then ate 2.' Ask your child to write it with parentheses, like (3 × 4) − 2, and solve it.
- Build two patterns side by side on a walk or ride, like counting by 3s and by 6s. Ask your child what they notice about each pair of matching numbers.
- Plot the pairs from those patterns on a hand-drawn grid, such as (3, 6) and (6, 12). Ask what the points look like together and why.
Where kids can get stuck
- Working straight from left to right and ignoring parentheses, so 4 × (2 + 3) becomes 11 instead of 20.
- Writing numbers in the order they appear, so 'multiply by 3 the sum of 5 and 7' becomes 3 × 5 + 7.
- Comparing numbers within one pattern only, noticing 'it goes up by 3' but missing that each partner number is double.
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
- expression
- Numbers and symbols that show a value, like (5 + 7) × 3, with no equal sign.
- parentheses
- The symbols ( ) that group the part of an expression to work out first.
- brackets
- The symbols [ ] that group a bigger part of an expression around parentheses.
- evaluate
- To work out the value of an expression.
- pattern
- A list of numbers that follows a rule.
- rule
- The step that tells how to get from one number in a pattern to the next.
- corresponding terms
- Numbers in the same position in two patterns, like the third number in each.
- ordered pair
- Two numbers in order, like (6, 3), that name one point on a grid.
- coordinate grid
- A grid with numbered lines across and up, used to locate points.
Want to help your child master expressions and patterns?
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 7 cover?
Math Expressions Grade 5 Unit 7 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 5.OA.A.1: Solve problems with parentheses and brackets, working inside first.
- 5.OA.A.2: Turn words into calculations like (5 + 7) × 3, and explain them.
- 5.OA.B.3: Make two number patterns from two rules, and compare them.
- 5.G.A.1: Find and plot points on a coordinate grid, like (6, 3).
- 5.G.A.2: Graph points on a coordinate grid to solve real-life problems.
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.