Standard

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. (See Table 2)

Student language:

• "I can multiply or divide to solve word problems by using drawings or writing equations and solving for a missing number."

Explanation

About the Math, Learning Targets, and Rigor

This standard calls for students to translate comparative situations into equations with an unknown and solve.

• Unknown Product: A blue scarf costs $3. A red scarf costs 6 times as much. How much does the red scarf cost? (3 × 6 = p).
• Group Size Unknown: A book costs $18. That is 3 times more than a DVD. How much does a DVD cost? (18 ÷ p = 3 or 3 × p = 18).
• Number of Groups Unknown: A red scarf costs $18. A blue scarf costs $6. How many times as much does the red scarf cost compared to the blue scarf? (18 ÷ 6 = p or 6 × p = 18).

PARCC

4.OA.2

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.

• See the OA Progression document, especially p. 29 and Table 2, Common Multiplication and Division situations on page 89 of CCSSM.
• Tasks sample equally the situations in the third row of Table 2.

Performance Indicators: 4.OA.2

Level 5: Exceeds Expectations

Interprets multiplication equations as comparisons and represents statements of multiplicative comparisons as multiplicative equations. Distinguishes multiplicative comparisons. Uses multiplication or division to solve multi-step word problems involving multiplicative comparisons. Uses a symbol for the unknown number.

Level 4: Meets Expectations

Interprets multiplication equations as comparisons or represents statements of multiplicative comparisons as multiplicative equations. Uses multiplication or division to solve one- or two-step word problems involving multiplicative comparisons.

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