Bridges in Mathematics Grade 4, Unit 2: Multi-Digit Multiplication & Early Division
In this unit, your child uses what they learned about factors and "times as many" to multiply larger numbers, like 64 × 38, by breaking them apart by place value. They also begin dividing with remainders and solve story problems that take more than one step. Next, the year turns to fractions and decimals.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 2?
- Solving story problems that take two or more steps, and deciding what a leftover means in the story. Learn more: Multi-step story problems and leftovers
- Multiplying numbers like 64 × 38 by splitting each into tens and ones and adding the four partial products. Learn more about multiplying large numbers by a one-digit number: Multiplying large numbers by a one-digit number · Learn more about multiplying two two-digit numbers
- Beginning to divide by a one-digit divisor, finding the quotient and any remainder, like 87 ÷ 5 = 17 R2. Learn more: Dividing with remainders, like 87 ÷ 5
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
A class of 28 students splits into 4 equal teams for a game. Then 2 new students join one of the teams. How many students are on that team now?
- 9
- 7
- 30
How you can help
- Work out a real cost together, like 24 tickets at $13 each. Have your child split it into 20 × 13 and 4 × 13, then add 260 and 52 to get $312.
- Share 50 dried beans among 4 bowls. Ask how many go in each bowl and how many are left over, then talk about why the leftover must be less than 4.
- Plan a pretend party. If 18 guests each eat 2 cupcakes and boxes hold 8, ask your child how many boxes to buy, and why 4 boxes is not enough.
Where kids can get stuck
- Multiplying only tens by tens and ones by ones, so 64 × 38 comes out as 1,832 instead of 2,432.
- Leaving a remainder bigger than the divisor, like writing 87 ÷ 5 = 16 R7, when 7 holds another 5.
- Answering "4 boxes with 4 left over" when the story needs a fifth box for the extra cupcakes.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- product
- The answer to a multiplication problem.
- partial products
- The smaller products you get by multiplying each place separately, which are then added together.
- area model
- A rectangle split into parts by place value, used to show multiplication or division.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem.
- remainder
- The amount left over when a number can't be split into equal groups exactly.
- divisor
- The number you divide by, like 5 in 87 ÷ 5.
- dividend
- The number being divided, like 87 in 87 ÷ 5.
- multistep problem
- A word problem that needs more than one calculation to solve.
Want to help your child master multiplying and dividing?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Bridges in Mathematics Grade 4 Unit 2 cover?
Bridges in Mathematics Grade 4 Unit 2 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.