Fourth Grade · Math · week 25

Multi-step problems with division

Solve multi-step word problems that combine division with another operation, labeling each step clearly.

Some of the richest word problems use division as just the first step, splitting a total into groups, and then use a second operation, often multiplication, addition, or subtraction, on the result.

The same plan-then-compute discipline from the multiplication word-problem week applies here: read fully, decide the order of operations, label each step, and check the final number against the story.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Keep the same two-step discipline from the multiplication word-problem week: read fully, plan, label, then compute.
  • Point out that division is often the FIRST step in these problems, splitting a total into groups before a second operation acts on the result.
  • Require a clear "step 1" and "step 2" label even when the arithmetic itself is easy to do in their head.
  • Finish every problem with a sense check: does the final number make sense for the story being told?
Talk about it:
  • How do you know which operation to do first in a multi-step problem?
  • Why is labeling each step helpful even if you can do the math in your head?
  • How can you sense-check a two-step answer?

Mastery looks like: They solve multi-step word problems that include division, correctly sequencing and labeling each operation.

Common stumbles: Doing the operations in the wrong order; completing only the first step and forgetting the problem asked for a second one.

See it visually

Interactive, spoken-aloud tools that show this idea in motion.

DivisionShare fairly and build equal groups.try →AdditionSee groups combine — with counters, blocks, and the number line.try →
Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of Math for this learner.
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