Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Solving Multistep Word Problems Assessment

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

4

Overview

This printable worksheet will assess student mastery of transforming word problems to equations with an unknown quantity and solving the equation correctly. This resource also includes a modified assessment sheet. 

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

    Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 4

    MA19.4.3

    Determine and justify solutions for multi-step word problems, including problems where remainders must be interpreted.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:MA19.4.3

    Vocabulary

    • Operation
    • Multi Step problem
    • Remainder
    • Unknown quantity
    • Equation
    • Rounding
    • Mental strategy
    • Partition
    • Estimation
    • Reasonableness

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Context situations represented by the four operations.
    • How to calculate sums, differences, products, and quotients.
    • Estimation strategies to justify solutions as reasonable.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Solve multi-step word situations using the four operations.
    • Represent quantities and operations physically, pictorially, or symbolically.
    • Write equations to represent the word problem and use symbols to represent unknown quantities.
    • Use context and reasoning to interpret remainders.
    • Use estimation strategies to assess reasonableness of answers by comparing actual answers to estimates.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Using problem solving strategies will help them determine which operation to use to solve a problem.
    • Remainders must be interpreted based on the context, and remainders are sometimes ignored, rounded up, or partitioned.

    Phase

    After/Explain/Elaborate
    Learning Objectives

    Learning Objectives

    Students will solve multistep word problems with whole numbers by representing these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity.

    Activity Details

    1. Each student will need a copy of page 1 of the digital resource. The teacher should instruct students to write both the equation and the answer for each word problem. (Note: The worksheet includes an answer line for each problem, so the teacher may wish to have students write their equations on the back of the paper or on a separate sheet of paper.)

    2. After completing their work, students should turn in the sheet to the teacher for review.

    Assessment Strategies

    Assessment Strategies

    The teacher will review each student's work for accuracy and completeness. An answer key is included on page 2 of the digital resource. 

    Variation Tips

    A modified assessment worksheet is available on page 3 of the digital resource. 

    There are 10 worksheet versions available for this standard on this website, Common Core Sheets. The teacher could use other versions for assessment or practice. 

    Background and Preparation

    Background / Preparation

    The teacher will need to make copies of page 1 of the digital resource for each student. 

    Students will need a pencil to complete the worksheet. 

    Digital Tools / Resources

    ALSDE LOGO