Math Expressions Grade 4, Unit 3: Division with Whole Numbers
In this unit, your child divides whole numbers of up to four digits by one-digit numbers, finding quotients and remainders with place value and the link to multiplication. They also solve word problems that take more than one step. It follows multiplication with whole numbers and leads into a unit on equations and word problems.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 3?
- Finding quotients and remainders for problems like 1,354 ÷ 4, using place value, area models, and the link between multiplying and dividing. Learn more: Dividing with remainders, like 87 ÷ 5
- Solving word problems with more than one step that involve division, and making sense of a remainder in the story. Learn more: Multi-step story problems and leftovers
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
What is 87 ÷ 5?
- 17
- 17 R 2
- 17.2
How you can help
- Pack things up together: if 58 books go on shelves that each hold 9, ask your child how many shelves are full and how many books are left.
- Count down to a holiday or birthday: ask your child how many weeks and leftover days are in 100 days, using division.
- Check a division answer by multiplying: after finding 136 ÷ 8, multiply the quotient by 8 together to see whether you get back to 136.
Where kids can get stuck
- Leaving a remainder bigger than the divisor, such as finding 87 ÷ 5 as 16 with 7 left over.
- Dropping the remainder in a story where it matters, such as forgetting that the last few books still need a shelf.
- Combining the numbers in a problem with whatever operation comes to mind, before deciding what the question asks.
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
- dividend
- The number being divided, like 87 in 87 ÷ 5.
- divisor
- The number you divide by, like 5 in 87 ÷ 5.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem.
- remainder
- The amount left over when a number cannot be divided evenly.
- multistep
- Needing more than one calculation to reach the answer.
- interpret
- To decide what an answer, such as a remainder, means in the story.
- estimate
- A close guess found with rounded numbers, used to check whether an answer makes sense.
Want to help your child master division with whole numbers?
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 Math Expressions Grade 4 Unit 3 cover?
Math Expressions Grade 4 Unit 3 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.