Fractions — Year 5 Maths

Year 5 fractions: what pupils learn

Year 5 is a big step up: pupils compare fractions with different denominators, meet mixed numbers and improper fractions, and multiply fractions by whole numbers for the first time.

By the end of Year 5, the National Curriculum expects pupils to:

• compare and order fractions whose denominators are all multiples of the same number
• identify, name and write equivalent fractions, including tenths and hundredths
• recognise mixed numbers and improper fractions and convert between them, for example 2/5 + 4/5 = 6/5 = 1 1/5
• add and subtract fractions with the same denominator, and denominators that are multiples of the same number
• multiply proper fractions and mixed numbers by whole numbers, using diagrams to support working out
• recognise the percent symbol (%), and understand that percent means “number of parts per hundred”

Key vocabulary

mixed number, improper fraction, equivalent fraction, denominator, numerator, common denominator, hundredth, percent

How it builds

Year 5 builds on the equivalent fractions and simple addition pupils met in Year 4. In Year 6, pupils simplify fractions using common factors, multiply and divide fractions, and move fluently between fractions, decimals and percentages.

Frequently asked questions

What is a mixed number?
A whole number and a fraction together, such as 1 1/5. An improper fraction writes the same amount with the numerator larger than the denominator, such as 6/5.

How do you compare fractions with different denominators?
Find a common denominator, a number both original denominators divide into, then compare the numerators once the fractions are written with that same denominator.

Why does percent matter for fractions?
Percent is just another way of writing a fraction out of 100, for example 50% is the same amount as 1/2 or 0.5. Seeing all three together builds real number sense.

Start with our free resources, or get every Year 5 maths lesson with a membership.