Standard

Apply the area and perimeter formulas for rectangles in real world and mathematical problems. For example, find the width of a rectangular room given the area of the flooring and the length, by viewing the area formula as a multiplication equation with an unknown factor.

Explanation

About the Math, Learning Targets, & Rigor

Students developed understanding of area and perimeter in 3rd grade by using visual models. While students are expected to use formulas to calculate area and perimeter of rectangles, they need to understand and be able to communicate their understanding of why the formulas work.

The formula for area is l × w and the answer will always be in square units. The formula for perimeter can be 2l + 2w or 2(l + w) and the answer will be in linear units.

This standard calls for students to generalize their understanding of area and perimeter by connecting the concepts to mathematical formulas. These formulas should be developed through experience not just memorization.

Resources

Videos

• Khan Academy (scroll to find 4.MD.3 - click on a skill)
  • Videos (on left side in each skill)
• Learn Zillion
  • Videos

EngageNY Lessons

• Module 3, Topic A, Lesson 1: Investigate and use the formulas for area and perimeter of rectangles.
• Module 3, Topic A, Lesson 3: Demonstrate understanding of area and perimeter formulas by solving multi-step real world problems.
• Module 7, Topic D, Lesson 15: Create and determine the area of composite figures.
• Module 7, Topic D, Lesson 16: Create and determine the area of composite figures.

Extra Practice

• North Carolina Tasks
• Illustrative Math Tasks
• Howard County Tasks
  • Click on 4th grade at bottom, then 4.MD.3
• Common Core Sheets

Released Assessment Questions

PARCC

4.MD.3

Apply the area and perimeter formulas for rectangles in real world and mathematical problems. For example, find the width of a rectangular room given the area of the flooring and the length, by viewing the area formula as a multiplication equation with an unknown factor.

STUDENT SAMPLE RESPONSE

Performance Indicators: 4.MD.3, 4.Int.6

Level 5: Exceeds Expectations

• Solves measurement word problems involving whole numbers which include calculation of area and perimeter – including those in which side lengths are missing – using all four operations.
• Solves measurement word problems which include calculation of area and perimeter – including those in which side lengths are missing – using addition, subtraction, and multiplication of simple fractions.
• Records measurement equivalents in a two-column table.
• Uses knowledge of measurement units within one system to solve word problems, real-world problems, and mathematical problems involving converting from larger units to smaller units.
• Represents measurement quantities using diagrams such as number line diagrams that require students to provide the appropriate measurement scale given the context.

Level 4: Meets Expectations

• Solves measurement word problems involving whole numbers which include calculation of area and perimeter – when information about side lengths is provided – using all four operations.
• Solves measurement word problems which include calculation of area and perimeter – when information about side lengths is provided – using addition, subtraction, and multiplication of simple fractions.
• Records measurement equivalents in a two-column table.
• Uses knowledge of measurement units within one system to solve word problems, real-world problems and mathematical problems involving converting from larger units to smaller units.
• Represents measurement quantities using diagrams such as number line diagrams that feature a measurement scale.

Integrated Standards

4.INT.6

Solve real-world and mathematical problems about perimeter involving grade-level addition and subtraction of fractions, such as finding an unknown side of a rectangle.

• Tasks are limited to denominators 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 100.
• Tasks must be aligned to both standards listed in the content scope. (4.NF.3, 4.MD.3)

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