This Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides Worksheet gives 5th graders six equations to solve for x by collecting variable terms on one side. Includes a complete answer key—perfect for focused, no-prep algebra practice.
In this 5.OA.1 Fifth Grade Common Core Lesson, studentsuse parentheses, brackets, or braces in numerical expressions, and evaluate expressions withthese symbols.
Parentheses, patterns and puzzle power
Fifth-grade algebra is all about writing and reading math sentences carefully. Kids learn to use parentheses and brackets and follow the order of operations, so 2 × (3 + 4) = 14, not 10. They write simple expressions from words, like "add 8 and 7, then multiply by 2" becomes 2 × (8 + 7), and they find and compare number patterns in tables. Some students get a first taste of solving for an unknown. The click moment is when a child realizes the parentheses are telling them what to do first.
Algebra feels less scary when kids see it modeled step by step and then talk it through.
Solve one expression on the board while saying every thought out loud: "Parentheses first, so 3 plus 4 is 7. Now 2 times 7." Then have kids solve the next one while explaining to a partner. Hearing the steps is what makes the order stick.
Why it works: handing over the work step by step, from teacher to student, is one of the most widely used teaching frameworks (Pearson and Gallagher, 1983).
Try it with5.OA.1 Fifth Grade Common Core LessonCommon Core LessonsOpen it →Read a word phrase, like "triple the sum of 5 and 2," and have partners argue about how to write it. Then compare answers with and without parentheses. The debate shows kids why the symbols matter.
Why it works: using clear, consistent math words out loud is one of the U.S. Department of Education's recommendations for elementary math.
Try it withSolving Equations with Variables on Both Sides WorksheetWorksheetsOpen it →Once order of operations feels easy, stretch your fast finishers with equations that have a variable on both sides. Mixing the familiar with something new keeps strong students thinking hard.
Why it works: shuffled practice teaches kids to choose the right strategy, not just repeat one, and it improved test scores in research (Rohrer and Taylor, 2007).
Try it withSolving Equations with Variables on Both Sides WorksheetWorksheetsOpen it →Teacher favorites right now: Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides Worksheet and 5.OA.1 Fifth Grade Common Core Lesson.
Fifth graders learn to write and evaluate numerical expressions with parentheses and brackets, follow the order of operations, and analyze number patterns. Some also start solving simple equations with an unknown.
Do what is inside parentheses or brackets first, then multiply and divide from left to right, then add and subtract from left to right. Many classes use the phrase "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" to remember it.
Turn everyday situations into expressions, like "two packs of 6 cookies plus 3 more." Ask your child to write it with numbers and symbols, then check it together.
Not at all. Fifth-grade algebra is gentle and builds right on what kids know about the four operations. Getting comfortable with expressions now makes middle school math much smoother.
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