Saxon Math Grade 4, Section 4: Fraction Operations & Decimals
In this unit, your child adds and subtracts fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators, multiplies a fraction by a whole number, and connects fractions to decimals. They rename tenths as hundredths and write fractions like 62/100 as 0.62. It follows the fraction concepts unit and leads into angles, conversions, and geometry.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Section 4?
- Adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators, like 4 5/6 − 2 1/6 = 2 4/6. Learn more: Adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers
- Multiplying fractions by whole numbers, like 6 × 1/3 = 6/3 = 2, and connecting it to repeated addition. Learn more: Multiplying a fraction by a whole number
- Writing tenths as hundredths and adding them, like 2/10 + 35/100 = 55/100. Learn more: Adding tenths and hundredths together
- Writing fractions with denominators of 10 and 100 as decimals, and reading 0.62 as "sixty-two hundredths." Learn more: Writing fractions as decimals, like 0.62
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
- Count a handful of change. Ask your child to write it as a fraction of a dollar and as a decimal, like 4 dimes and 3 pennies as 43/100 and $0.43.
- Make a fruit salad with a 1/3 cup. Ask how much 6 scoops make, and why it's exactly 2 cups.
- Track practice time in parts of an hour: 2 1/4 hours on Saturday and 1 1/4 on Sunday. Ask your child for the total and the difference.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding numerators and denominators, so 1/6 + 4/6 becomes 5/12.
- Renaming 2/10 as 2/100 instead of 20/100, changing the denominator without the numerator.
- Writing 62/100 as 6.2 instead of 0.62, putting the decimal point in the wrong place.
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, like 2 1/4.
- like denominators
- Denominators that are the same, as in 3/8 and 5/8.
- unit fraction
- A fraction with 1 as its numerator, like 1/4 or 1/8.
- tenth
- One of 10 equal parts of a whole, written 1/10 or 0.1.
- hundredth
- One of 100 equal parts of a whole, written 1/100 or 0.01.
- decimal
- A number written with a decimal point, like 0.62, to show parts of a whole.
- decimal point
- The dot that separates the whole number from the tenths and hundredths.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with fraction operations and decimals?
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 Saxon Math Grade 4 Section 4 cover?
Saxon Math Grade 4 Section 4 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.