4th Grade, Activity 54: Use the Four Operations with Whole Numbers to Solve Problems

Solve multi-step word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole-number answers using the four operations, including problems in which remainders must be interpreted. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding.

Interpreting Remainders

Group: Pairs
Materials: Interpreting Remainders sheet

Explain that remainders can have different meanings. For some problems we can omit the remainder. For other problems, the remainder is a clue to increase the quotient by one. In other problems, the remainder answers the question. Issue the Interpreting Remainders sheet to each student. Pairs work together to write questions that show how to use the remainders for the indicated situation in each problem.