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5th Grade · Measurement & Data

5.MD.B.2: Use line plots marked in fractions to solve problems in several steps

5.MD.B.2 is a 5th grade Common Core math standard in Measurement & Data. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.

By Math teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club

The standard

Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8). Use operations on fractions for this grade to solve problems involving information presented in line plots. For example, given different measurements of liquid in identical beakers, find the amount of liquid each beaker would contain if the total amount in all the beakers were redistributed equally.

In plain words

Use line plots marked in fractions to solve problems in several steps.

Sample questions from student practice

These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.

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?

A line plot titled "Picture Frames": a number line from 0 to 2, numbered at the whole numbers, with marks splitting each whole into four equal parts, with X marks stacked above it. Above the second mark after 0: X, X. Above the third mark after 0: X, X, X. Above the 1: X, X. Above the first mark after 1: X. Along the bottom: "Side length in feet".
  • 1 9/16 square feet
  • 5 feet
  • 2 1/2 feet

Where students can get stuck

  • Spacing the fraction marks unevenly, so 1/8 and 1/4 end up as far apart as 1/4 and 1/2.
  • Counting the Xs when asked for a total, saying six days of rain made 6 inches instead of adding to 1 3/4 inches.
  • Placing 3/8 in the wrong spot, often after 1/2, because they are unsure it falls between 1/4 and 1/2.

Effective teaching strategies

  1. Fold a paper strip in half three times to make eighths, then use it as the number line for a line plot and label 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2.
  2. Have students find a total from a line plot by adding, such as four Xs above 1/4 meaning 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4, and not by counting the Xs.
  3. Ask students to place 3/8 by renaming 1/4 as 2/8 and 1/2 as 4/8, so they see it sits between them.

Units that teach this standard

Find where 5.MD.B.2 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.

Bridges in Mathematics

enVision Mathematics

Eureka Math

Everyday Mathematics

i-Ready Classroom Mathematics

Illustrative Mathematics

Into Math

Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!

Share it with families

Families can read Measurement charts with halves, quarters, and eighths for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.

Help every student practice measurement and data at home

In Bobby's Math Club, students practice 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 for every family.

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Robert “Bobby” Barnett

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.

All 5th grade math standards