4th Grade · Measurement & Data
4.MD.A.3: Solve problems with the area and perimeter of rectangles
4.MD.A.3 is a 4th grade Common Core math standard in Measurement & Data. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Apply the area and perimeter formulas for rectangles in real world and mathematical problems. For example, find the width of a rectangular room given the area of the flooring and the length, by viewing the area formula as a multiplication equation with an unknown factor.
In plain words
Solve problems with the area and perimeter of rectangles.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
Sofia makes a square picture frame. The perimeter of the frame is 64 inches. How long is each side of the frame?
- 16 inches
- 256 inches
- 32 inches
Where students can get stuck
- Multiplying the sides when the question asks how much fence is needed, answering 40 feet for an 8 by 5 garden instead of 26.
- Adding only two sides for the perimeter, getting 13 feet for an 8 by 5 rectangle.
- Labeling area in feet instead of square feet, or perimeter in square units.
Effective teaching strategies
- Ask whether a problem wants the distance around or the space inside, such as a border around a poster or tiles on a floor, before students choose an operation.
- Have students draw an 8 by 5 rectangle, label all four sides, and add 8 + 5 + 8 + 5 to find the perimeter, 26 feet.
- Write the unit with every answer, 26 feet for the perimeter and 40 square feet for the area of an 8 by 5 rectangle, and ask what each unit counts.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 4.MD.A.3 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Math Expressions
Reveal Math
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Using area and perimeter to solve real problems for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice measurement and data at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice 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 for every family.
See how it works for teachers
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.