Writing Numerical Expressions Fill-In

5th Grade MathOrder of Operations4 pages

About this worksheet

A fill-in worksheet for 5th grade math on writing and interpreting numerical expressions (Common Core 5.OA.1 and 5.OA.2). Scaffolding shrinks section by section: Part 1 leaves single gaps in expressions such as (9 + ______) × 3, Part 2 demands whole expressions for phrases like divide 40 by the sum of 3 and 5, and Part 3 removes calculation entirely, asking how many times as large 4 × (1,250 + 380) is than the sum inside it. A challenge finish places parentheses to make 15 - 3 × 4 = 48 true.

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$Writing Numerical Expressions Fill-In: Order of Operations - page 1$

$Writing Numerical Expressions Fill-In: Order of Operations - page 2$

$Writing Numerical Expressions Fill-In: Order of Operations - page 3$

$Writing Numerical Expressions Fill-In: Order of Operations - page 4$

Curriculum objectives covered

5.OA.1

“Use parentheses, brackets, or braces in numerical expressions, and evaluate expressions with these symbols.”

Parentheses do the work throughout, and Part 4 isolates the skill: placing them turns two false equations true.

5.OA.2

“Write simple expressions that record calculations with numbers, and interpret numerical expressions without evaluating them. For example, express the calculation "add 8 and 7, then multiply by 2" as 2 × (8 + 7). Recognize that 3 x (18932 + 921) is three times as large as 18932 + 921, without having to calculate the indicated sum or product.”

Parts 1 to 3 are this standard's ladder: record calculations as expressions, then interpret 4 × (1,250 + 380) against its inner sum without computing, matching the standard's own example.

What's inside this worksheet

Part 1: Fill in the Missing Pieces

Six statements each hide one number or symbol: students complete (9 + ______) × 3 for add 9 and 5, then multiply by 3, supply the minus sign in (18 ______ 4) ÷ 2, and finish 8 times the difference between 15 and 7.

Part 2: Write the Complete Expression

Five word descriptions become full expressions with parentheses, including (25 - 9) × 4 and 40 ÷ (3 + 5), written without evaluating anything.

Part 3: Interpreting Without Calculating

Comparison blanks get filled by structure alone: 4 × (1,250 + 380) is 4 times as large as the sum, (450 - 85) ÷ 5 is one-fifth of the difference, and three <, >, = items include the commutativity check 5 × (12 + 8) versus (12 + 8) × 5.

Part 4: Challenge Fill-In

Two equations wait for parentheses: 15 - 3 × 4 = 48 needs (15 - 3) × 4, and 6 + 18 ÷ 3 = 8 needs (6 + 18) ÷ 3.

Answer key

The key gives each missing piece, accepts both orderings where multiplication commutes, and confirms the equals case in Part 3's comparison trio.

How teachers use it

Scaffold for mixed-ability classes

The one-blank format of Part 1 lets strugglers produce correct expressions immediately, while Part 3 stretches strong students the same lesson. Assign all four parts and differentiate by where you start.

Language-of-math focus

The phrase subtract 4 from 18 reverses the number order in writing, and question 2 exists to catch that. Read the phrases aloud and have students point to which number comes first in the expression.

Quick structural quiz

Questions 12 to 14 make a three-minute board quiz later in the week. No pencils, answers on fingers: how many times as large? The structure reading, not arithmetic, is what you are sampling.

More 5th Grade Math worksheets

Operations with Fractions Place Value and Decimals Measurement and Data Geometry

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