Dear Family,

Mathematics Family
Letter, Unit 1

Our class is starting a new unit in math called Order of Operations and
Whole Numbers. In this unit, students will recognize and understand
number patterns and rules. They will solve expressions and use
inverse operations. This work can be challenging to students.
At the end of this unit, students will:
Write and interpret expressions
Understand place value system
Multiply and divide multi-digit whole numbers using different
strategies
Each student should be able to answer/solve questions like the
following:

The Jenson family has 5 people. Theyre going to have a party

and invite 8 guests. Each person will have 3 slices of pizza. How
many slices of pizza do you need for the party?
o (5 + 8) x 3 = 39
o Reasoning: There are going to be 13 people in all eating
pizza. (5 + 8) Each person will have 3 slices of pizza. (13
x 3) The Jenson family will need 39 pieces of pizza.
How do you solve this expression: 4 x (2+5).
o 4 x (7) = 28
o Reasoning: Solve the problem in the parentheses first, then
solve the rest.
What is 103 ?
o 10 x 10 x 10 = 1,000
o Reasoning: The exponent (3) tells how many times the base
number (10) will be multiplied.

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,
Mrs. Cassie Moses

Adapted from Pearson Education, Inc.

Grade 5