Zearn Math Grade 4, Mission 3: Multi-Digit Multiplication and Division
In this unit, your child multiplies and divides larger numbers, using place value, area models, and partial products and quotients. They solve "times as many" comparisons and multistep word problems, interpret remainders, and use area and perimeter formulas. It builds on the place-value and metric work before it and leads into angle measure and plane figures.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Mission 3?
- Interpreting an equation like 40 = 8 × 5 as a comparison, so 40 is 8 times as many as 5 and 5 times as many as 8. Learn more: Reading multiplication as "times as many"
- Solving comparison word problems with tape diagrams, deciding whether "times as many" calls for multiplying or dividing. Learn more: Story problems about "times as many"
- Solving multistep word problems with all four operations, including ones where the remainder changes the answer. Learn more: Multi-step story problems and leftovers
- Multiplying up to four digits by one digit, and two digits by two digits, using 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 up to four-digit numbers by one-digit numbers with place-value charts, area models, and partial quotients, noting any remainders. Learn more: Dividing with remainders, like 87 ÷ 5
- Using area and perimeter formulas to solve problems about rectangles, including finding a missing side from the area. Learn more: Using area and perimeter to solve real problems
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 man is 6 feet tall. A giraffe is 3 times as tall as the man. Which equation finds g, the giraffe's height in feet?
- g = 3 × 6
- 6 = 3 × g
- g = 3 + 6
How you can help
- Measure a rug together: if it is 6 feet by 4 feet, ask your child for its area and perimeter, then for the length of a 3-foot-wide rug with the same area.
- Ask "times as many" questions about prices: if a book costs $4 and a game costs 6 times as much, what does the game cost? Then turn the question around.
- Share out a big batch: if 150 stickers are split among 4 kids, ask your child how many each gets and what to do with the remainder.
Where kids can get stuck
- Multiplying whenever they see the word "times," so "18 is 3 times as many as what number?" gets 54 instead of 6.
- Leaving a remainder bigger than the divisor, such as 150 ÷ 4 = 36 remainder 6, when 6 holds another 4.
- Mixing up area and perimeter, adding the sides when the question asks how many square tiles cover a floor.
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
- times as many
- A way to compare by multiplying: 12 is 3 times as many as 4.
- partial products
- The smaller answers found by multiplying each part of a number, which are then added together.
- area model
- A rectangle split into parts by place value, used to multiply or divide.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem.
- remainder
- The amount left over when a number cannot be divided evenly.
- divisor
- The number you divide by, like 5 in 87 ÷ 5.
- multistep
- Needing more than one calculation to reach the answer.
- area
- The amount of space inside a flat shape, measured in square units.
- perimeter
- The distance all the way around a flat shape.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with multiplying and dividing big 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.
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 Zearn Math Grade 4 Mission 3 cover?
Zearn Math Grade 4 Mission 3 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 4.OA.A.1: Understand "times as many": 35 is 5 times as many as 7.
- 4.OA.A.2: Solve "times as many" word problems by multiplying or dividing.
- 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.MD.A.3: Solve problems with the area and perimeter of rectangles.
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.