4.OA.3 - About the Math, Learning Targets, and Rigor

Grade 4 Number Operations

4.OA.3

Full Standard

Solve multi-step word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole-number answers using the four operations, including problems in which remainders must be interpreted. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding.

 

Measurement Topic

This standard is reported on the report card in these quarters as follows:

4th Grade Students Learning 4th Grade Standards
Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4

Report Card Measurement Topic: Demonstrates understanding of addition and subtraction of whole numbers and fractions.

Report Card Measurement Topic: Demonstrates understanding of patterns, expressions, equations, and algebraic thinking.

  

 

Report Card Measurement Topic: Demonstrates understanding of patterns, expressions, equations, and algebraic thinking.
3rd Grade Students Learning 4th Grade Standards
Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4

Report Card Measurement Topic: Demonstrates understanding of addition and subtraction.

Report Card Measurement Topic: Solves one-step word problems with any operation.

 

 

Report Card Measurement Topic: Solves one and two-step word problems with any operation.

 

Learning Targets

  • Determine the first step in a two-step problem.
  • Determine the second step in a two-step problem.
  • Represent a two-step word problem with models, pictures, and equations (two equations can be used in place of an equation with two-operations)
  • Write an equation for using a letter for an unknown number.
  • Interpret the remainder when needed.
  • Determine if the solution to a two-step problem is reasonable. 

 

About the Math

This standard is developed and reinforced across the entire year. It begins with one-step problem-solving situations. In the second quarter, students begin to work with two-step problems. In this setting, students should work with 2 related operations before working with all 4 operations in the 3rd and 4th quarter. Students do not have to write a single equation with two operations to represent the problem. This standard (and all other word problem standards) should not focus students on using key words.

  • Determine the first step in a two-step problem.

Students make sense of a problem and determine how they might represent it including pictures or diagrams. Students then determine the first action/step for determining an unknown.

  • Determine the second step in a two-step problem.

Students identify the second step needed to solve the problem. They can identify this step before or after completing the first step. 

  • Represent a two-step word problem with models, pictures, and equations (two equations can be used in place of an equation with two-operations)

Students should represent work problems with models, pictures, and equations. Two equations are recommended for 4th graders who do not know about order of operations.

  • Write an equation for using a letter for an unknown number.

Students should write a letter to represent the unknown in a problem. They can use two different letters in two different equations to represent the two steps in a two-step problem.

  • Interpret the remainder when needed.

Interpreting the remainder is developed over time. Students interpret remainders based on understanding of number and context. They should not be introduced to or held accountable for rules of working with remainders. Students should justify their interpretations.

  • Determine if the solution to a two-step problem is reasonable. 

Determining reasonableness with two-step problems is not as easy as simply estimating a result. Students have to ask themselves different questions. They have to compare the operations and steps taken to the results. Does it make sense to add first? How will this affect the result of my first step? Teacher modeling is important for developing reasonableness with two-step problems.

 

 

 

Progression of Standard within Grade 4

This progression informs how to develop the standard within the grade level. This progression is provided by HCPSS Elementary Mathematics.

Progression Throughout Year
Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4
  • Represent a one-step addition or subtraction word problem with multi-digit numbers using models, pictures, and equations.
  • Write an equation for using a letter for an unknown number.
  • Determine if the solution to a one-step problem is reasonable. 
  • Determine the first step in a two-step problem.
  • Determine the second step in a two-step problem.
  • Represent a two-step word problem with addition and/or subtraction using models, pictures, and equations (two equations can be used in place of an equation with two-operations)
  • Determine if the solution to a two-step problem is reasonable.
  • Represent a one-step multiplication or division word problem with multi-digit numbers using models, pictures, and equations. 
  • Write an equation for using a letter for an unknown number.
  • Determine if the solution to a one-step problem is reasonable. 
  • Interpret the remainder when needed.
  • Represent a two-step word problem with models, pictures, and equations (two equations can be used in place of an equation with two-operations)
  • Determine if the solution to a two-step problem is reasonable.
  • Interpret the remainder when needed.
  • Use all four operations .
  • Use two related operations (+/- or x/÷)
  • Represent a two-step word problem with models, pictures, and equations (two equations can be used in place of an equation with two-operations)
  • Determine if the solution to a two-step problem is reasonable.
  • Interpret the remainder when needed.
  • Use all four operations .
  • Use two related operations (+/- or x/÷)

 

Progression of this Standard Across Grades

This progression is informed by the Achieve the Core Coherence Map Links to an external site.. Information is not the complete standard.

Progression Across Grades
Grade 3 Grade 7
  • Solve two-step word problems using the four operations.(3.OA.8)
  • Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving the four operations with rational numbers. (7.NS.3)

 

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