4th Grade · Operations & Algebraic Thinking
4.OA.A.3: Solve word problems with several steps, including ones with remainders
4.OA.A.3 is a 4th grade Common Core math standard in Operations & Algebraic Thinking. 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
Solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole-number answers using the four operations, including problems in which remainders must be interpreted. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding.
In plain words
Solve word problems with several steps, including ones with remainders.
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
A class of 28 students splits into 4 equal teams for a game. Then 2 new students join one of the teams. How many students are on that team now?
- 9
- 7
- 30
Where students can get stuck
- Stopping after the first step, answering 24 juice boxes when the question asks how many are left after 5 are drunk.
- Giving a remainder answer that does not fit the story, like "4 vans with 3 left over" when 5 vans are needed.
- Combining numbers from the problem with whatever operation comes to mind, before deciding what the question is asking.
Effective teaching strategies
- Have students underline the question and list the steps it needs, such as how many in all and then how many are left, before they calculate anything.
- Pose this problem: 23 students ride in vans that each hold 5, so how many vans are needed? Then ask whether 4, 4 with 3 left over, or 5 is right, and why the story decides.
- Ask students to write each step as its own equation with a letter for the unknown, then check the last answer by estimating with rounded numbers.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 4.OA.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
- Grade 4, Topic 2: Fluently Add and Subtract Multi-Digit Whole Numbers
- Grade 4, Topic 3: Use Strategies and Properties to Multiply by 1-Digit Numbers
- Grade 4, Topic 4: Use Strategies and Properties to Multiply by 2-Digit Numbers
- Grade 4, Topic 5: Use Strategies and Properties to Divide by 1-Digit Numbers
- Grade 4, Topic 6: Use Operations to Solve Problems
Eureka Math
Eureka Math²
Everyday Mathematics
Go Math!
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Into Math
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 Multi-step story problems and leftovers for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice problem solving 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.