Arithmetic in the fourth and fifth grades strengthens
and perfects the computational tools of addition, multiplication, subtraction,
and division. Throughout these grades, word problems get special attention
as a tool to sharpen arithmetic reasoning and logical thinking.
The study of common fractions begins in the fourth grade. This study expands throughout the fifth grade, into sixth grade, until the student is fully competent with proper, improper, and complex fractions and mixed numbers as well as decimal fractions in all arithmetic operations. We give much attention to the ability to interchange fractional and decimal expressions in order to develop an understanding of the various ways to represent a particular value and to develop a flexible approach to the solution of mathematical situations.
Additional topics include the metric system, perimeter, area, factoring, primes, multiples, ratio and proportion, and percents.