CCSS.Math.Content.4.OA.A.1
The Standard
Interpret a multiplication equation as a comparison, e.g., interpret 35 = 5 × 7 as a statement that 35 is 5 times as many as 7 and 7 times as many as 5. Represent verbal statements of multiplicative comparisons as multiplication equations.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students read multiplication equations as comparisons between two amounts. They turn phrases such as “six times as many” into equations and identify what each factor represents.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students explain which number is the larger amount, which is the smaller amount, and which factor tells how many times as many. They write a matching equation and explain each number in context.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may confuse “5 times as many” with “5 more than” and use addition. They may also reverse the factor roles when matching a comparison statement to an equation.
How to Assess It
- Give this exit ticket: “Lena has 24 stickers, which is 4 times as many as Kai has. Write a multiplication equation and find Kai’s amount.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs linking cubes, have students build one train three times as long as another, then label both amounts and write an equation.
Ask students to explain in writing how “four times as many” differs from “four more than,” using numbers and equations.
Play equation match with cards showing comparison statements, multiplication equations, and tape diagrams, with students forming matching sets.
Compare classroom objects, such as 24 pencils and 6 markers, then write and explain an equation showing their multiplicative relationship.
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Printable 4.OA.A.1 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.4.OA.A.1, 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 Operations & Algebraic Thinking progression map.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.RP.A.1
Multiplicative comparison prepares students to see two quantities in relative terms, which supports ratio language like “3 times as many.”
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.OA.A.2
Students must understand “times as many” comparison equations before choosing multiplication or division to solve those comparison word problems.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.B.5a
Multiplicative comparison carries over to seeing a multiplier as a scale factor that makes a product larger, smaller, or equal.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.B.5
Whole-number “times as many” comparisons prepare students to see a factor as a scale that enlarges or shrinks quantities.
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