Study Guide — 4.NF.B.4
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication to multipl…
Add and subtract fractions with like denominators and connect to unit fraction understanding.
What this standard means
- Understand a fraction a/b as a multiple of 1/b. For example, use a visual fraction model to represent 5/4 as the product 5 × (1/4), recording the conclusion by the equation 5/4 = 5 × (1/4).
- Understand a multiple of a/b as a multiple of 1/b, and use this understanding to multiply a fraction by a whole number. For example, use a visual fraction model to express 3 × (2/5) as 6 × (1/5), recognizing this product as 6/5. (In general, n × (a/b) = (n × a)/b.)
- 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. For example, if each person at a party will eat 3/8 of a pound of roast beef, and there will be 5 people at the party, how many pounds of roast beef will be needed? Between what two whole numbers does your answer lie?
- Apply apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication to multipl… with models and explanation
_See printable PDF for diagram._
How to use the 20 practice sets
| Sets | When to use | | --- | --- | | 1–5 | Intro — explore together, short written items | | 6–10 | Core skills — diagrams and written practice | | 11–15 | Mixed review — explain thinking | | 16–20 | Stretch — word problems and mastery tasks |
Pacing: 10–15 minutes per session.
How to practice
1. Draw models before adding numerators 2. Keep denominators the same when adding parts 3. Simplify answers when appropriate
_See printable PDF for diagram._
Common mistakes
- Adding denominators
- Forgetting the whole context
Review and practice tests
1. Start Review 1/10 when sets 1–3 feel comfortable. 2. Move up one review level with little help. 3. Use Practice Test 4/10–6/10 for mid-standard checks. 4. Practice Test 10/10 is the mastery bar for 4.NF.B.4.
- [ ] Adds/subtracts like-denominator fractions with models
- [ ] Explains why denominators stay the same
- [ ] Solves simple fraction word problems
Materials for this standard
- Practice Problems — 20 printable sets
- Review — 10 difficulty levels
- Practice Test — 10 difficulty levels
- Answer key — for parents and tutors