General Information
Test Item Specifications
Students will add and subtract fractions (like/unlike denominators) and decimals.
Items may assess adding and subtracting decimals in the context of money.
Students will verify the reasonableness of results in problem situations.
Students may apply the mathematical properties to facilitate computation.
Items may include up to two mixed numbers.
Items may include up to three fractions, which may contain unlike denominators.
Denominators of fractions may be 1–12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21, 24, 25, 32, 36, 35, 45, 75, or any multiple of 10 through 100.
Items may include decimals through the thousandths place or in money.
Fractions and decimals may not be used in the same item.
Items should be set in a real-world context.
Items will not include graphic representations to assist in finding solutions.
In items involving measurements, conversions among measurements will not be required.
Students may be required to use benchmark fractions and decimals in making estimates. For example, students know that 7/8 + 11/12 is close to 2 because 7/8 and 11/12 are both close to 1 (MA.5.A.2.3).
Responses may be exact answers or estimates.
Responses may contain fractions that are not simplified or in lowest terms. When a fraction must be simplified, the stem must indicate that the answer must be simplified or in lowest terms.
Sample Test Items (2)
Test Item # | Question | Difficulty | Type |
Sample Item 1 | Some of the ingredients for a chocolate chip cookie recipe are shown below. 1/2 cup butter |
N/A | MC: Multiple Choice |
Sample Item 2 | Mindy went hiking on a trail that has a total length of 3.5 miles. After she had hiked 1.98 miles, she stopped for lunch. After lunch, Mindy will continue hiking until she reaches the end of the trail. How much farther, in miles, will Mindy need to hike after lunch? | N/A | GR: Gridded-Response |
Related Resources
Lesson Plans
Name | Description |
Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers with Unlike Denominators | This lesson helps fifth graders combine their understanding of adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, finding equivalent fractions, and adding and subtracting mixed numbers with like denominators to move on to adding and subtracting mixed numbers with unlike denominators. |
“Dinner with Friends” | The students will determine what to order at a dinner with friends yet stay within a budget. The students will try to maximize their budgets and order as much food as they possibly can with their given amount of money. |
Looking for Patterns in a Sequence of Fractions | Students generate and describe a numerical pattern using the multiplication and subtraction of fractions. |
Teaching Idea
Name | Description |
Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators | Kahn Academy video - How to add fractions with unlike denominators. |