Grade 4 · Math

Grade 4 math

Grade 4 is the year math gets bigger: bigger numbers, times tables that need to be quick, and fractions that start being compared, not just named. Here is what it covers, where kids usually get stuck, and one way to help.

What your child learns this year

Every curriculum words it differently, but most grade 4 classes cover the same ground:

Bigger numbers. Reading, comparing and rounding numbers into the thousands (some curricula go further).
Multiplication and division. The times tables up to 10 × 10, then multiplying a bigger number by a one-digit number, and dividing with a remainder.
Fractions and decimals. Fractions that name the same amount, comparing two fractions, and decimal tenths (hundredths in some places).
Measurement. Area and perimeter, how much time has passed, and measuring angles.
Patterns and data. Finding the rule in a pattern, reading and making graphs.
In Ontario, also coding and money.

Where kids usually get stuck

1Thinking 1/5 is bigger than 1/3, because 5 is bigger than 3. The bottom number is how many pieces the whole is cut into, so a bigger bottom means smaller pieces.
2Mixing up area and perimeter. Adding the sides when the question wants the space inside, or multiplying when it wants the distance around.
3Treating time like a decimal. From 2:45 to 4:10 is not 1.65 hours: an hour has 60 minutes, not 100.

One of Pip's tricks

Fewer pieces means bigger pieces

Use it when two fractions have the same top number, like 2/3 and 2/5.

Check that the top numbers match.
Look at the bottoms: the smaller bottom number means bigger pieces.
The fraction with the smaller bottom is the bigger fraction.

Watch it work. Which is bigger, 2/3 or 2/5? Both have 2 pieces. Thirds are bigger than fifths, because cutting a bar into 3 makes bigger pieces than cutting it into 5. So 2/3 is bigger.

Why it works: the more cuts you make, the smaller each piece gets.

Watch on YouTube · 3 min2/3 or 2/5? Which is bigger?

Try three

Have a go, then tap to see the answer.

1.Which is bigger, 3/8 or 5/9?
Show the answer
5/9. 3/8 is less than a half (half of 8 is 4), and 5/9 is more than a half.
2.A garden is 9 m long and 5 m wide. How many metres of fence go around it?
Show the answer
28 m. The fence goes around, so add all four sides: 9 + 5 + 9 + 5.
3.A trip starts at 2:45 and ends at 4:10. How long is it?
Show the answer
1 hour 25 minutes (85 minutes). Jump to 3:00 (15 minutes), then to 4:00 (1 hour), then to 4:10 (10 minutes).

How Sparkpip fits in

Pip, Sparkpip's tutor, works through problems like these with your child one small step at a time, using tricks like the one above.

Start free See how it works

Your curriculum

Sparkpip is built on the grade 4 math curriculum for your province or state. The official pages:

Also: Grade 3 math · Grade 5 math · Grade 4 science · Grade 4 English