Fifth Grade · Math · week 7

Money problems galore

Solve multi-step word problems involving money using decimal addition and subtraction, reasoning carefully about totals and change.

Money is just decimals wearing a dollar sign. Adding, subtracting, and comparing prices uses the exact same rules as any other decimal -- line up the decimal points and go.

Multi-step money problems often ask for a total AND THEN a difference, like change from a bill. Read carefully and solve one labeled step at a time.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Have them underline exactly what is being asked -- total? change? difference? -- before starting any math.
  • Encourage a running list of each small step's answer rather than trying to do the whole problem in one jump.
  • Use real receipts or store flyers so the amounts feel real, not just textbook numbers.
  • Estimate rounded dollar amounts first as a reasonableness check on the final answer.
Talk about it:
  • Why does reading a money problem carefully for the exact question matter?
  • How is figuring out change just a subtraction problem?
  • How can rounding to whole dollars help you check a money answer?

Mastery looks like: They can solve two- and three-step money word problems accurately, including totals, change, and discounts.

Common stumbles: Stopping after the first step, such as finding the total, when the question asked for change; misaligning cents when adding prices.

See it visually

Interactive, spoken-aloud tools that show this idea in motion.

SubtractionTake away and count back, step by step.try →AdditionSee groups combine — with counters, blocks, and the number line.try →
Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of Math for this learner.
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