CCSS.Math.Content.4.MD.A.2
The Standard
Use the four operations to solve word problems involving distances, intervals of time, liquid volumes, masses of objects, and money, including problems involving simple fractions or decimals, and problems that require expressing measurements given in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. Represent measurement quantities using diagrams such as number line diagrams that feature a measurement scale.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Measurement and Data
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students solve word problems about length, time, volume, mass, and money using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. They convert larger units to smaller units and represent quantities on scaled diagrams.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students choose the correct operations, convert units when needed, and label answers clearly. They use a scaled number line or other diagram to show the quantities and check whether the result is reasonable.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may multiply when converting to a larger unit or divide when converting to a smaller unit. They often combine unlike units, treat time as base ten, or misread money decimals.
How to Assess It
- Use this exit ticket: “A jug holds 2.5 liters. After 750 milliliters are poured out, how many milliliters remain? Show an equation and labeled number line.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs measuring cups, water, and containers to solve pour-and-combine challenges using milliliters and liters.
Ask students to explain why 3 meters equals 300 centimeters and how that conversion changes a word problem.
Play a conversion relay where teams match measurement cards, solve one-step problems, and justify each operation.
Give students a store receipt and ask them to find totals, change, and price differences using dollars and cents.
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Printable 4.MD.A.2 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.4.MD.A.2, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetLearning progression
Where This Standard Sits
See the whole path on the Measurement & Data progression map.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.MD.A.1
Converting larger units to smaller units and knowing unit sizes are needed for many target measurement word problems.
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.MD.A.2
Solving one-step mass and volume problems with scaled drawings supports later multi-operation measurement problems, diagrams, and unit conversions.
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.MD.A.1
Solving elapsed-time problems in minutes carries into multi-operation measurement word problems with time and scaled number line diagrams.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.MD.A
Solve problems involving measurement and estimation of intervals of time, liquid volumes, and masses of objects.
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.A.3
Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities, e.g., by using drawi...
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.D.8
Solve two-step word problems using the four operations. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the rea...
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