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.
Standard:
Math.4.OA.2 or 4.OA.A.2
Description:
Multiply or divide to solve word problems involving multiplicative
comparison, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol
for the unknown number to represent the problem, distinguishing
multiplicative comparison from additive comparison.
Standard:
Math.4.NF.3d or 4.NF.B.3.D
Description:
Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction
of fractions referring to the same whole and having like
denominators, e.g., by using visual fraction models and equations
to represent the problem.
Standard:
Math.4.NF.4c or 4.NF.B.4.C
Description:
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?
The equals sign can be translated as "is." The multiplication sign can be translated as "times as many as." The equation can be translated as: 6 is 2 times as many as 3, or 6 is 3 times as many as 2.
Example:
Interpret the phrase "times as many," set up an equation, and solve.
4 × 5 = ?
The solution to the equation is 20. Angela was assigned 20 pages of reading for English class.
Note that, while equal to the same value, 4 times as many as 5 pages does not have the same meaning in the problem as 5 times as many as 4 pages.
4th Grade Math - One-Step Problems Lesson