Cogito
Grade 4 Math · Chapter 3 · Lesson 4
Multistep Word Problems
Several operations, in the right order.
10 problems · about 16 minutes · 4.OA.A.3
What this lesson teaches
The child solves multistep word problems with all four operations, checking with an estimate.
- Plan the steps before calculating anything.
- Label every answer as you get it.
- Read the question again before you finish.
Warm-Up Review
From earlier lessons. Loosen up before the new work.
2 problemsReview — What the Remainder Means: 35 children, buses hold 9. How many buses?
Answer 4
Why Round up to 4 buses.
Review — Remainders: 45 ÷ 7. What is the remainder?
Answer 3
Why 45 ÷ 7 = 6 remainder 3.
Warm Up
Straightforward practice. Get the method working first.
3 problems7 × 24 − 68 = ?
Answer 100
Why 7 × 24 = 168, and 168 − 68 = 100.
What should you do at the end of a multistep problem?
Answer Read the question again and check you answered it.
Why Solving correctly and answering the wrong question is the classic error.
6 × 24 ÷ 8 = ?
Answer 18
Why 144 ÷ 8.
Build It Up
The same ideas with more to keep track of.
1 problem8 × 35 − 90 = ?
Answer 190
Why 280 − 90.
Stretch Yourself
Mixed problems. Work out what kind of question it is before you start.
4 problems96 ÷ 4 + 55 = ?
Answer 79
Why 24 + 55.
The Book Order: 5 boxes hold 36 books each. 40 books are damaged. How many are usable?
Answer 140 books
Why 180 − 40 = 140.
The Sports Day: 7 teams of 12 children. They split into pairs. How many pairs?
Answer 42 pairs
Why 84 ÷ 2 = 42 pairs.
The Fundraiser: 9 stalls each raise 45 pounds. The costs were 120 pounds. How much profit?
Answer 285 pounds
Why 405 − 120 = 285 pounds.