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Write and Interpret Expressions
Grade 5 - Math - On Level
Worksheet 1
1Which expression means "multiply 12 by the sum of 8 and 8"?
2What does (12 + 3) x 6 mean?
3Which expression should not be evaluated yet because it only represents the words?
4Which words match 4 x (4 - 6)?
5Why are parentheses needed in 3 x (5 + 3)?
6Which expression means "multiply 4 by the sum of 4 and 7"?
7What does (5 + 3) x 2 mean?
8Which expression should not be evaluated yet because it only represents the words?
9Which words match 12 x (9 - 7)?
10Why are parentheses needed in 4 x (2 + 6)?
About this worksheet
Writing and interpreting expressions asks students to translate words into numbers and operation symbols without immediately calculating asks fifth graders to coordinate notation, calculation, and reasoning instead of applying a memorized step in isolation. Students may ignore grouping words such as sum or difference, which changes the meaning of the expression. This worksheet rotates through short self-checking items so students practice the named skill from several angles. Students write expressions from words, interpret parentheses, match expressions to situations, and explain operation order. Support versions keep numbers friendlier while preserving the same reasoning. Standard and challenge versions add closer choices, less familiar values, or an extra comparison step. Encourage your child to name the operation, place value, unit, or property before calculating. If an answer is close but uses the wrong place, denominator, operation order, or unit, it is the trap.
What your child will learn
Write expressions
Use parentheses
Interpret operation words
Explain grouping
Worked example
The phrase multiply 6 by the sum of 4 and 3 is written as 6 x (4 + 3).
Common mistake
Calculating too soon instead of writing the expression that matches the words.
Helpful hint
Underline grouping words like sum, difference, product, and quotient.
Worksheet 1