Three of the main objectives under numbers and operations are to understand numbers and ways to represent numbers, to understand meanings of operations and solve problems, and to compute fluently and make reasonable estimates. These objectives include learning about place value, from hundredths to hundred-thousands. Children will also build on their addition and subtraction skills as well as go further with multiplication and division facts. Fractions and decimals will be introduced. Fourth graders will also solve real life problems using whole numbers, fractions and decimals.
Fourth grade students in Tennessee are introduced to thinking algebraically. To introduce students to algebra, teachers will help them understand patterns, relations and functions, represent and analyze mathematical situations using algebraic symbols, illustrate general properties of operations and analyze change in various contexts. This includes solving problems such as z+8=? if z=12, working with number patterns, multiplying and dividing patterns over increasing place value, and applying the commutative, associative and zero properties.
In geometry and measurement children will understand and use the properties of lines, segments, angles, polygons and circles, use measures of length, area, capacity and weight, and apply transformations and use symmetry to analyze mathematical situations. In these categories children will learn the different types of triangles, polygons and identify the parts of a circle. They will measure different angles and find the perimeter and area of different shapes. They will also learn the formulas for finding the volume of various shapes.
In fourth grade, children begin to use more complicated forms of data, probability and statistics. They will collect, record, arrange, present and interpret data using tables and other representations and use probability to describe chance events. Children will practice reading a table. They will learn how to interpret line, bar and circle graphs. The students will determine which type of graph is best for a particular problem. They will calculate probability, make predictions and figure the number of combinations for certain problems.