Bridges in Mathematics Grade 4, Unit 6: Multiplication & Division Data & Fractions
In this unit, your child returns to multiplying and dividing larger numbers, now with more confidence, and solves story problems that take several steps. They also add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators, and multiply a fraction by a whole number. After the geometry unit, this sets up the review of fractions, decimals, and multiplication that comes next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 6?
- Solving multi-step story problems with all four operations, and checking the answer against an estimate. Learn more: Multi-step story problems and leftovers
- Multiplying up to four digits by one digit, and two digits by two digits, with area models and 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
- Dividing numbers up to four digits by a one-digit number, and checking the quotient by multiplying back. Learn more: Dividing with remainders, like 87 ÷ 5
- Adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators, like 2 1/4 + 1 3/4 = 4. Learn more: Adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers
- Multiplying a fraction by a whole number, like 3 × 2/5 = 6/5, by thinking of equal groups. Learn more: Multiplying a fraction by a whole number
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
- Double a snack-mix recipe together. If it calls for 3/4 cup of raisins, ask your child how much a double batch needs, and measure it out to show 6/4 cups is 1 1/2 cups.
- Count floor tiles in a room 12 tiles by 18 tiles. Have your child estimate first, then multiply in parts, 180 + 36 = 216, and compare with the estimate.
- Ask a division question about time: "There are 100 minutes until bedtime, and each chore takes 7 minutes. How many chores fit?" Talk about what the 2 leftover minutes mean.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding the denominators too, so 2/5 + 1/5 comes out as 3/10 instead of 3/5.
- Multiplying both the numerator and denominator by the whole number, so 2 × 3/4 becomes 6/8.
- Dropping a zero in the quotient, so 624 ÷ 6 becomes 14 instead of 104.
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
- partial products
- The smaller products you get by multiplying each place separately, which are then added together.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem.
- remainder
- The amount left over when a number can't be split into equal groups exactly.
- mixed number
- A whole number and a fraction together, like 2 1/4.
- unit fraction
- A fraction with 1 as its numerator, like 1/4 or 1/8.
- like denominators
- Denominators that are the same, as in 3/8 and 5/8.
- product
- The answer to a multiplication problem.
- estimate
- A close guess, often made with rounded numbers, to check whether an answer makes sense.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with fractions and multiplication?
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.
Join the club
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 6 cover?
Bridges in Mathematics Grade 4 Unit 6 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 4.OA.A.3: Solve word problems with several steps, including ones with remainders.
- 4.NBT.B.5: Multiply larger numbers, like 3,045 × 8 and 64 × 38.
- 4.NBT.B.6: Divide by a one-digit number, with remainders, like 87 ÷ 5.
- 4.NF.B.3: Add and subtract fractions with the same denominator, like 5/12 + 6/12.
- 4.NF.B.4: Multiply a fraction by a whole number, like 2 × 3/4.
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.