Unit Plan 5 (Grade 4 Math): Multiplication as Comparison
Interpret multiplication as “times as many,” distinguish multiplicative from additive situations, and solve comparison word problems using tape diagrams, equations with unknowns, and clear reasoning.
Focus: Interpret multiplication as multiplicative comparison and solve comparison word problems.
Grade Level: 4
Subject Area: Mathematics (Operations & Algebraic Thinking)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
This week centers on multiplicative comparison—understanding and explaining statements like “24 is 3 times as many as 8.” Students distinguish multiplicative from additive situations, use visual models (e.g., tape diagrams), and write equations with unknowns to represent and solve comparison problems.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to say one quantity is n times as many as another?
- How do I recognize when a problem is multiplicative (times as many) vs. additive (more than)?
- How can representations and equations make my comparisons clear and convincing?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Interpret multiplication equations (e.g., 24 = 3 × 8) as multiplicative comparisons and explain the meaning of each factor.
- Determine whether word problems describe additive or multiplicative situations and justify the choice.
- Represent multiplicative comparisons with tape diagrams, bar models, arrays, and equations with unknowns.
- Solve and create real-world comparison word problems using multiplication and division.
- Communicate solutions precisely with units, labels, and clear reasoning.
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 4 (spiral across the unit)
- 4.OA.1: Interpret a multiplication equation as a comparison; represent verbal statements of multiplicative comparisons as multiplication equations.
- 4.OA.2: Multiply or divide to solve word problems involving multiplicative comparison; use drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown to represent the problem; distinguish multiplicative comparison from additive comparison.
- Mathematical Practices (MP.1–MP.8) threaded throughout.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can explain that “24 = 3 × 8” means 24 is 3 times as many as 8.
- I can tell whether a problem is additive or multiplicative and explain why.
- I can use a tape diagram or equation with an unknown to solve and check a comparison problem.