Real-Life Word Problems for Multiplication and Division (Gr 4-6)

In this math lesson, your students will

1. Learn the definitions of multiplication, division, and estimating

2. Determine which operation to use (multiplication or division) to solve a real-life word problem

3. Use rounding and benchmarks to estimate a solution

4. Calculate the solution with the standard algorithm

5. Think of another way to reach the solution

6. Self-assess their skill

Grades to Use With:

This lesson is designed for students in grades 4-6 who are learning and/or practicing their multiplication and division skills using the standard algorithm AND a variety of other estimating and benchmark methods. It includes three-digit products, one-digit divisors, and division with remainders.

How to Use:

Go over the first page together as a class. Review the definitions of multiplication, division, and estimating. Then complete the first word problem together- modelling the 4 steps: choose the operation, estimate, solve, and solve using an alternate method.

Then you can let students work on the five other problems independently or in small groups. They could do some of the problems in class and a couple of them for homework. I have included a quick self-assessment at the end, so you can see which steps students are confident with and which are a bit more challenging. My students often struggle to think of an alternate method to solve the problem, so I can target some small group support for that skill.

What's Included:

6 Page PDF

Title Page

Student Definitions and Sample

3 Pages of Student Questions and Self-Assessment

Answer Key

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