CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.B.4c
The Standard
Solve word problems involving multiplication of a fraction by a whole number, e.g., by using visual fraction models and equations to represent the problem.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify equal groups of a fractional amount and find the total. They draw a model, write an equation, calculate the product, label the units, and locate the answer between whole numbers.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can turn a context into an equation such as 6 × 2/3 = 12/3 = 4. The student can support the answer with a model, label the units, and check its size using nearby whole numbers.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may multiply both the numerator and denominator, giving 8/12 for 4 × 2/3. They may add the whole number to the fraction instead of making equal groups. They may also place 10/3 between 2 and 3 instead of between 3 and 4.
How to Assess It
- Use this exit ticket: “Four hikers each drink 3/5 liter of water. Draw a model, write an equation, find the total, and name the two whole numbers it lies between.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give students fraction strips to build five groups of 3/4, then record the total as a drawing, equation, and mixed number.
Ask, “Seven children each use 2/3 meter of ribbon. How much ribbon is needed, and how do you know your answer is reasonable?”
Play Product Match with cards showing contexts, equations, fraction models, and whole-number intervals; students collect four matching cards.
Use a grocery flyer to calculate the total weight needed when several servings each require the same fraction of a pound.
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Printable 4.NF.B.4c Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.B.4c, 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
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.B.4b
Students need the fraction-times-whole-number meaning and models from 4b to represent and solve those word problems.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.B.4a
Seeing a fraction as unit-fraction copies supports representing fraction-times-whole word problems as repeated equal parts.
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.A.3
Whole-number equal-groups word problems and equations carry over to interpreting a fraction times a whole number in context.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.A.2
Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole, including cases of unlike denominators, e.g., by using visual f...
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.A.1
Interpret and compute quotients of fractions, and solve word problems involving division of fractions by fractions, e.g., by using visual fraction models and eq...
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.B.3d
Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole and having like denominators, e.g., by using visual fraction mod...
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