Everyday Mathematics Grade 4, Unit 8: Fraction Operations and Applications
In this unit, your child pulls the year's fraction work together: adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers, multiplying fractions by whole numbers, and using both to solve measurement problems about time, distance, weight, and money. It follows multiplying a fraction by a whole number and closes out fourth grade, setting up the fraction work of fifth grade.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 8?
- Adding and subtracting mixed numbers with like denominators, trading a whole for fractional parts when there aren't enough to subtract. Learn more: Adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers
- Using a fraction times a whole number to solve word problems, such as how much 6 servings of 3/4 cup make. Learn more: Multiplying a fraction by a whole number
- Applying fractions, decimals, and whole numbers to word problems about lengths, time, liquid volume, weight, and money. Learn more: Story problems about distance, time, and money
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
Which sum is equal to 4/5?
- 1/5 + 1/5 + 1/5
- 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4
- 1/5 + 1/5 + 1/5 + 1/5
How you can help
- Track a week of walks: if each walk is 3/4 of a mile and you go 5 times, ask your child for the total distance as a mixed number.
- Measure a piece of string or ribbon: start with 4 1/4 feet, use 1 3/4 feet, and ask your child how much is left, trading a whole for fourths.
- Plan a budget at the store: with $20, ask your child whether 3 items at $5.85 each fit, and how much would be left over.
Where kids can get stuck
- Subtracting the smaller fraction from the larger, so 4 1/4 − 1 3/4 gives 3 2/4 instead of 2 2/4.
- Thinking a fraction can never be greater than 1, so 9/4 looks wrong rather than like 2 1/4.
- Calculating before converting units, such as working with 2 liters and 250 milliliters without first changing 2 liters to 2,000 milliliters.
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
- mixed number
- A whole number and a fraction together, such as 2 1/4.
- improper fraction
- A fraction whose numerator is greater than or equal to its denominator, such as 9/4.
- unit fraction
- A fraction with a numerator of 1, such as 1/4, naming one equal part.
- like denominators
- Denominators that are the same, as in 3/8 and 5/8.
- regroup
- To trade 1 for an equal amount of smaller parts, like 1 whole for 4/4 or 1 ten for 10 ones.
- product
- The answer to a multiplication problem.
- elapsed time
- How much time passes between a start time and an end time.
- liquid volume
- How much liquid a container holds, measured in units like liters or cups.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with fraction word problems?
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 Everyday Mathematics Grade 4 Unit 8 cover?
Everyday Mathematics Grade 4 Unit 8 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.