Turning words into expressions without working them out, like “add 8 and 7, then multiply by 2” as 2 × (8 + 7), and comparing expressions by how they're built.
Write the step that happens first. If it's a sum that must come before a multiply or divide, put it in parentheses. 5 × (a sum) is 5 times as large as the sum.
expressionnumbers and signs with no equals sign
sumthe answer to +
times as largemultiplied by that number
parentheses( ): show which step comes first
Watch for: Working the expression out when the sheet only asks to write it. Leaving out parentheses: 2 × 8 + 7 is not the same as 2 × (8 + 7). Adding 950 + 495 to compare, when the 5 × in front already gives the answer: 5 times.
At home: Say a short instruction, like “add 4 and 6, then double it,” and have your child write it as an expression before anyone works it out.
Sample sheet and answer key
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 5 · Writing expressions · 5.OA.A.2
NameDate
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
Words to expressions
Write the expression. Don't work it out.
6 times as large as 19 + 5
Half of the sum of 4 and 3
5 times as large as 18 + 4
Add 11 and 3, then multiply by 3
Add 5 and 3, then multiply by 7
5 times as large as 3 + 8
Multiply 7 by 6, then subtract 18
Add 2 and 9, then multiply by 7
How many times as large?
Compare without working them out.
6 × (700 + 488) is how many times as large as 700 + 488?
2 × (726 + 864) is how many times as large as 726 + 864?
3 × (793 + 439) is how many times as large as 793 + 439?
Sheet
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 5 · Writing expressions · 5.OA.A.2
Answer key
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
Words to expressions
Write the expression. Don't work it out.
6 times as large as 19 + 56 × (19 + 5)
Half of the sum of 4 and 3(4 + 3) ÷ 2
5 times as large as 18 + 45 × (18 + 4)
Add 11 and 3, then multiply by 33 × (11 + 3)
Add 5 and 3, then multiply by 77 × (5 + 3)
5 times as large as 3 + 85 × (3 + 8)
Multiply 7 by 6, then subtract 187 × 6 − 18
Add 2 and 9, then multiply by 77 × (2 + 9)
How many times as large?
Compare without working them out.
6 × (700 + 488) is how many times as large as 700 + 488?6
2 × (726 + 864) is how many times as large as 726 + 864?2
3 × (793 + 439) is how many times as large as 793 + 439?3
Answer key
New problems every time, three levels (gentle, core and stretch), themes to pick from, a second page if you want one. Each sheet comes with an answer key and a one-page guide for grown-ups.
