Dear Family,

Mathematics Family
Letter, Unit 4

Our class is starting a new unit in math called Adding, Subtracting,

Multiplying, and Dividing Fractions. This is a critical area of practice in
5th grade mathematics. In this unit, students will add, subtract,
multiply, and divide fractions and whole numbers. They will analyze
patterns and relationships with fractions to see how patterns can be
used to estimate the answers when solving for different operations.
This work can be challenging to students.
At the end of this unit, students will :
Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including
mixed numbers)
Interpret a fraction as division of the numerator by the
denominator
Multiply a fraction or whole number by a fractions
Explain that a whole number multiplied by a fraction greater than
1 yields a product greater than the given number whereas, a
whole number multiplied by a fraction less than 1 yields a
product less than the given number
Interpret division of a unit fraction by a whole number and
division of a whole number by a unit fraction
Solve real world word problems for all operations that involve
fractions
Each student should be able to answer/solve questions like the
following:
Solve 22/5 + ?
Possible response: First, convert the mixed number 22/5
into a fraction.

Grade 5

22/5 is the same as 12/5.

is the same, or equivalent to 5/10, and
24

/10.

So,

24

/10

+ 5/10 =

29

/10, or 29/10

How can you solve + 1/3?

Possible response:

How can you solve 3 1/3 1 3/4?

3 1/3 is the same as 3 4/12
o

1 3/4 is the same as 1 9/12

How do you multiply 2/3 x ?

Possible response:

Grade 5

12

/5 is the same as

What is 2/5 of 2?
Possible response:

Create a story context for 5 1/6. Find your answer and then
draw a picture to prove your answer and use multiplication
to reason about whether your answer makes sense. How
many 1/6 are there in 5?
Answer:

The answer is the number of small boxes, 30.

In our math class students spend time discussing and sharing their
reasoning and solutions. It is important that children solve problems in
ways that make sense to them. Encourage your child to explain their
mathematical thinking and solutions with math vocabulary at home.
Sincerely,

Grade 5

Grade 5