Singapore Math – 70 Must-Know Word Problems Workbook for 5th Grade Math, Paperback, Ages 10–11 with Answer Key (Volume 3) Paperback – June 1, 2009

My son is 9yr (will be 10yr in 2months) and will be 4th grade soon. He finished the spectrum math grade 6 recently, and I got this to review 5th grade math using word problems before starting another grade 6 workbook. After two questions, I am debating whether to hold it until the end of 6th grade (or 7th grade) level or just do it now.** update on 11/12/22I used this book when my son fishied 6th grade level math.. I ignored the answer explanations, and taught my son to use algebra to solve problems. Very good problems for prealgebra level. Nor for 4th grade level. I don't think the answer explanations are right way to teach. However, I liked it, so I ended up buying the next two levels of Singapore math word problem workbooks.Why? Questions are not too difficult, but it looks better to solve using algebra concept.1st question is2 diamond rings + 4 silver rings= $1440 and 1 diamond ring + 1 silver sing = $660.My son combined numbers back and forth in his mind, and got the correct answer after trying two incorrect answers.The way to solve would be 2d + 4s=1440 and d+s=660 --> d =660-s --> 2(660-s) + 4s=1440 --> 1320-2s+4s=1440 --> 2s=1440-1320 = 120 --> s=60. I would say this is almost 7th grade math. The solution shows diagrams to solve this problem without algebra, but it looks a bit non-mathematical for me. It looks more like puzzle questions. Most questions are similar pattern. Would it be better to try this type of questions now and will it help him later understand algebra better? or, would it be better to know algebra first, then solve using algebra?This is the first time I purchased Singapore math workbook. I checked other level singapore math workbooks, and found that it's all similar style. The suggested solutions show diagrams to solve math. I am not sure if I want to teach my son 5th grade level using such diagram concept. Still debating whether to use this workbook to teach my son algebra after grade 6 level or use it now to practice the suggested methods (using diagrams).

I love this book, while my daughter hates it. It challenges your mind and you have to use your brain to solve these problems, which are not difficult at all but slightly different from the typical word problems. Most of the problems LOOK difficult at the first glance, but they are not. At the beginning I was not happy with the provided solutions which are mostly based on drawings and diagrams, but these solutions are simple and elegant. You still can teach your child a traditional method, when you make a system of 2 equations (as a 4th grader she was not familiar with the concept), but I found the approach used in the book more simple.

I bought this book for my 10 years old who will be in 5th grade after summer. She likes problem solving and good at it too. But this book seems too hard for her. I will wait for few months then try again.

I really liked this book. My 10 year old 5th grader is using it. I like how it lays out the problems, gives strategies up front and allows the student to try the same type of problem more than once to get it right.I re-used the problems later by just changing "names" and numbers in the problems to make up my own "revision" test. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to teach their child (and learn themselves) how to solve Singapore Math problems using model drawing. It took me a few tries, but I got the hang of it.If you want a more difficult book, you can get the Primary Math Challenging Word Problems book.

After taking all the 70 problems in this book, my 4th grader boy happily told me that he like this book. And he wrote a few comments on one Notes page. I posted as below:"This is a very good quality book for 5th graders. It challenges your mind and forces you to think. You might think it is right but actually is wrong. You can't guess and get all right. Sometime I find the solution is more logical than the way I do. You can easily understand."And I am happy that I find a practice book fit my kid. I helped him with a few problems even though he looked at the answers. But not lot so it's why the kid won't get too difficult with it.

My son love this book very much and the problems are a little challenge for him, but he likes challenges.

If you are familiar with Singapore math, then you'll know that they are generally at a higher standard. I was told this book is a level 4 meaning "advanced". The problems in the beginning are repetitive, i.e., after your kid get one, the next 2-3 would be walk in the park (and so on). Yes it has 70 but I'd say the "real" number is around 30. If you are working with your child then I'd suggest you work with them on the first one and then have them do the repetitive ones. Overall I'd still rate it a 3 as for about 6 bucks you are getting a handful of challenging (for US grade 5) problems.

These word problems are typical Singapore style, often requiring two mathematical calculations to determine the answer. They also require the student to determine the relationship between the variables given in order to calculate the answer, this helps develop critical thinking skills. I have to think a bit to solve the problems too, fortunately detailed solutions are given in the back, not just the final answer. This is a great supplement to any math program even if a student only works through one or two questions/day.