Zearn Math Grade 5, Mission 6: Problem Solving and Coordinate Plane
In this unit, your child uses the coordinate plane to solve problems. They plot and name points from the origin, graph real data, and build two number patterns from rules, then plot the matching terms as ordered pairs to see how the patterns relate. It follows the volume and area unit and wraps up fifth grade with problem solving.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Mission 6?
- Naming and plotting points on the coordinate plane, using the x-coordinate for distance across and the y-coordinate for distance up. Learn more: Finding points on a grid, like (6, 3)
- Graphing points from real problems, like a plant's height over several weeks, and describing what each point and the pattern show. Learn more: Plotting real-life points on a grid
- Creating two number patterns from two rules, like add 3 and add 6, and comparing the corresponding terms on a graph. Learn more: Comparing two number patterns 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
In the coordinate plane, the point (4, 2) is plotted. What does the number 2 in this ordered pair represent?
- The total distance from the origin to the point.
- The distance up from the x-axis.
- The distance right from the y-axis.
How you can help
- Count two patterns side by side on a walk, one by 2s and one by 4s. Ask your child what they notice about each matching pair, like 6 and 12.
- Draw a grid map of a room or park together, with the origin in one corner. Give directions to hidden objects as ordered pairs, across first.
- Track a plant, a shadow, or the temperature over several days, then plot the day and the measurement as points. Ask what a single point means in words.
Where kids can get stuck
- Noticing that each pattern grows by a set amount, but missing that each second number is double its partner.
- Starting the second pattern at the wrong number, so the two lists no longer match up term by term.
- Starting each new point from the last one plotted instead of from the origin, so later points drift off course.
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
- coordinate plane
- A flat grid made by a number line across and one going up, for plotting points.
- origin
- The point (0, 0), where the two axes meet.
- x-coordinate
- The first number in an ordered pair; how far across to go.
- y-coordinate
- The second number in an ordered pair; how far up to go.
- ordered pair
- Two numbers in order, like (6, 3), that name one point on a grid.
- 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.
Want to help your child master the coordinate plane?
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 Zearn Math Grade 5 Mission 6 cover?
Zearn Math Grade 5 Mission 6 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.