4 Decimal Math Word Problems Your 5th Grader Should Be Able to Solve

Math word problems that include decimals are an important part of 5th-grade math. Students will face more complex math concepts as they transition into middle school, so they must have a strong foundation and be able to solve decimal problems with confidence.

Consider all the ways decimals play an important part in everyday life when creating math word problems, such as budgeting, doing cost comparisons, cooking, and more. Using real-world examples for math word problems is important because kids see and understand the relevance of what they are solving.  

The following math word problems are designed to challenge your child to think outside the box with decimals by using simple concepts they can understand.

1. Zeroing in on the Zeros

Some decimals include the zero before the point; others don’t. Some might add extra zeros at the end—5.24000 being the same as 5.24.

Fifth graders should be ready for all these instances, as addressed in math word problems like this one:

Michael, Ben, and Kelly are chewing bubble gum. Michael blows a bubble that is 1.340 inches in diameter. Ben’s bubble is .87 inches in diameter. Kelly has a tough time with her bubble, which is only 0.09 inches wide. What is the total diameter of the three bubbles?

To get the answer, add 1.34+0.87+0.09 to get 2.3.

2. Fractions and Decimals

Decimals are simply fractions without obvious numerators or denominators, and fractions are simply decimals that don’t necessarily use base 10.

Here’s a fifth grade math word problem that combines the two:

A barbell that weighs 45.25 pounds is holding 2 plates that weigh 2.2 pounds each and 4 plates that weigh 7½ pounds each. How much weight will Connor be lifting?

students must realize that 7½ is the same as 7.5. Add 45.25, plus (2.2 x 2), plus (7.5 x 4) to get 79.65 pounds.