Grade 5 Math · Patterns, Functions, and Algebra

Virginia SOL 5.PFA.2

Virginia SOL 5.PFA.2 is part of the Patterns, Functions, and Algebra strand in Grade 5 Math (Math). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students investigate and use variables in contextual problems. Below is what 5.PFA.2 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice 5.PFA.2 for the Virginia SOL test.

Practice 5.PFA.2 All Grade 5 Math standards

What SOL 5.PFA.2 means

Investigate and use variables in contextual problems.

Practice Grade 5 Math SOL questions

Free Grade 5 Math questions from official Virginia Department of Education released SOL tests — good practice while you work on 5.PFA.2 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.

1. Michael has a total of 10 pies to serve. He has already served the following amounts: Cherry pies: 3 pies Peach pies: 2 pies Apple pies: 1 pie Which mixed number represents the total amount of pie Michael has left to serve?
Show answer
Answer: A — (2 (1)/(2)) pies
2. The state of Virginia has a total area of 39,594 square miles. The state of Maryland has a total area of 9,774 square miles. How much larger is the total area of Virginia than Maryland?
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Answer: A — 29,820 square miles
3. Karla bought 3 packages of chicken. The total weight of the chicken is 7.52 pounds. Package X weighs 2.59 pounds. Package Z weighs 1.38 pounds. What is the weight of the chicken in package Y?
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Answer: A — 3.55 pounds
4. Tyra walked the following distances: Day 1: 1.25 miles Day 2: 1.75 miles Day 3: 2.0 miles What is the total number of miles Tyra walked on these three days?
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Answer: D — (5 (1)/(4)) miles

→ Take the full free Grade 5 Math SOL practice test

Skills you’ll practice for 5.PFA.2

Describe the concept of a variable (presented as a box, letter, or other symbol) as a representation of an unknown quantity.
Write an equation (with a single variable representing an unknown quantity and one operation) from a contextual situation using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
Use an expression with a variable to represent a given verbal expression involving one operation.
Create and write a word problem to match a given equation with a single variable and one operation.

Key concepts covered by 5.PFA.2

describe
concept of a variable
representation
unknown quantity
write
equation
single variable
contextual situation
addition
subtraction
multiplication
division
use
expression
variable
represent
verbal expression
one operation
create
word problem
match

How to study and practice SOL 5.PFA.2

Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether 5.PFA.2 is already solid, then work each skill above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see our Virginia SOL practice tests guide and how to study for the SOL test.

→ Take the free Grade 5 Math SOL practice test

5.PFA.1 — Identify, describe, extend, and create increasing and decreasing patterns with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.

Frequently asked questions about SOL 5.PFA.2

What is Virginia SOL 5.PFA.2?

SOL 5.PFA.2 is a Grade 5 Math Standard of Learning in the Patterns, Functions, and Algebra strand. It expects students to investigate and use variables in contextual problems.

What skills does SOL 5.PFA.2 cover?

SOL 5.PFA.2 is assessed on 4 skills: describe the concept of a variable (presented as a box, letter, or other symbol) as a representation of an unknown quantity; write an equation (with a single variable representing an unknown quantity and one operation) from a contextual situation using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division; use an expression with a variable to represent a given verbal expression involving one operation; create and write a word problem to match a given equation with a single variable and one operation.

What strand of Grade 5 Math is SOL 5.PFA.2 in?

SOL 5.PFA.2 belongs to the Patterns, Functions, and Algebra reporting strand of the Grade 5 Math Virginia Standards of Learning.

How do I study and practice for SOL 5.PFA.2?

Start with a diagnostic to see whether 5.PFA.2 is already solid, then work the 4 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.