Fifth grade is the year fractions with unlike denominators arrive, together with multiplying fractions and dividing whole numbers and fractions (the Common Core limits 5th grade division to unit fractions; the sheets go beyond that). These worksheets, at levels 2 and 3, cover those skills with a 19-problem test at the end. Every sheet has a separate answer key.
What this grade practices
The Common Core fractions domain for grade 5 moves from like to unlike denominators and then to multiplication and division:
| Standard | What students do | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 5.NF.A.1 | Add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators | 2/3 + 1/4 = 8/12 + 3/12 = 11/12 |
| 5.NF.A.2 | Solve word problems and check that the answer is reasonable | 1/2 + 1/3 = 5/6, a little less than 1 |
| 5.NF.B.3 | Read a fraction as a division of the numerator by the denominator | 3 ÷ 4 = 3/4 |
| 5.NF.B.4 | Multiply a fraction or a whole number by a fraction | 2/3 × 4/5 = 8/15 |
| 5.NF.B.5 | Predict the size of a product without multiplying | 3/4 × 12 is less than 12 |
| 5.NF.B.6 | Solve real-world problems that multiply fractions and mixed numbers | 3/4 of 12 = 9 |
| 5.NF.B.7 | Divide a unit fraction by a whole number and a whole number by a unit fraction | 1/3 ÷ 4 = 1/12; 4 ÷ 1/3 = 12 |
No sheet topic targets 5.NF.B.3 (fractions as division) or 5.NF.B.5 (predicting the size of a product) directly, so use the examples in the table as discussion prompts. 5.NF.B.7 limits division to unit fractions. The division sheets here are not limited that way: they also divide by fractions such as 2/5, which belongs to 6th grade (6.NS.A.1). Use those problems as extension. The decimal sheets also include percent conversions, which the Common Core introduces in 6th grade (6.RP.A.3.c).
How to use these worksheets
The library has seven topics, each with a level 2 sheet of 10 problems, a short level 3 sheet of 7 or 8 and a level 3 sheet of 10. A sequence that builds each skill on the one before:
- Unlike denominators. Finding a common denominator comes first, then adding.
- Subtracting with unlike denominators, with what-is-left problems.
- Mixed numbers, adding, subtracting and converting.
- Multiplying fractions, with fraction-of-a-quantity problems.
- Dividing whole numbers and fractions, with sharing problems.
- Fractions and decimals, and word problems, in any order.
For single-skill practice, see the multiplying fractions worksheets and the dividing fractions worksheets. Word problems on their own are in fraction multiplication word problems.
Common mistakes
- Adding across. 2/3 + 1/4 = 3/7 is wrong, because 3/7 is less than 1/2 and 2/3 alone is more than that. With a common denominator, 8/12 + 3/12 = 11/12.
- Dividing a whole number by a unit fraction the wrong way. 4 ÷ 1/3 = 4/3 is wrong. The question is how many thirds fit in 4, and each whole holds 3, so 4 ÷ 1/3 = 12.
- Subtracting mixed numbers column by column. In 3 1/4 − 1 1/2, taking 3 − 1 = 2 and 1/2 − 1/4 = 1/4 gives 2 1/4, which is wrong. Convert: 13/4 − 6/4 = 7/4 = 1 3/4.
The 5th grade test
The last sheet is a level 2 test of 19 problems: 5 on adding and subtracting with unlike denominators, 2 on finding a common denominator, 4 on multiplying fractions, 3 on dividing a whole number by a fraction and 5 word problems. It has its own answer key. Use it at the end of a unit or as a start-of-year diagnostic.
Teacher notes
- Time. Plan 15 minutes for a standard sheet (an estimate).
- Any common denominator works. 2/3 + 1/4 = 8/12 + 3/12, or 16/24 + 6/24. The least common denominator just keeps the numbers small.
- Multiplying can make smaller. 5.NF.B.5 asks students to predict that 3/4 × 12 = 9 is less than 12. Say it out loud for students who expect multiplication to make a bigger number.
- Draw the division. For 4 ÷ 1/3, draw 4 bars cut into thirds and count 12 pieces.
- Previous and next grade. Like-denominator sums are on the 4th grade worksheets. Fraction by fraction division starts on the 6th grade worksheets.
To make more sheets with your own settings, use the fraction worksheet generator.
Frequently asked questions
What fractions do 5th graders learn?
They add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators, multiply fractions, and divide unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions (5.NF). They also read 3/4 as 3 ÷ 4.
How do you add fractions with unlike denominators?
Rewrite both with a common denominator, then add the numerators. For 2/3 + 1/4, use 12: 8/12 + 3/12 = 11/12.
Do 5th graders divide fractions by fractions?
Not under the Common Core. 5th grade divides only between unit fractions and whole numbers, such as 1/3 ÷ 4 = 1/12. Dividing a fraction by a fraction, such as 2/3 ÷ 3/4, is 6.NS.A.1.