The learning objectives for students within this state standard involve the basics of numbers. In fourth grade, students should be able to put whole numbers and decimals in numerical order. They should be able to recognize and compare numbers with different place values. Fourth graders also work with fractions. Students should know their basic math facts up through the multiplication of 12 times 12 and be able to do long division up through three digits (for example, 385 divided by 4). Students also practice estimation.
Algebra is an emerging skill in fourth grade. In this learning standard, students begin to see the relationships between numbers in fact families, which allows them to solve simple algebraic problems. If a student sees "x+3=5," he should know enough about math facts to recognize that x is 2. Students also can describe patterns that they see in data in the form of graphs or tables.
By fourth grade, students are identifying three-dimensional shapes (cube versus simply a square, or pyramid versus triangle). Students begin to identify and measure different types of angles, including right, acute and obtuse. They identify and describe different types of lines, including parallel and perpendicular, and know the difference between the two ideas. Fourth graders also begin using more complicated number lines that contain fractions or decimals, not just whole numbers.
Under this standard, students measure all sorts of quantities: length, area, volume, weight, temperature and time. They learn the difference between weight and mass, as well as the difference between standard measurements and the metric system. Fourth graders must also be able to convert from one system of measurement to another. For example, if they are given a length in inches, they must be able to describe that length in centimeters.
This area relates to problems and their possible mathematical solutions. Given a set of items, students figure out how many possible combinations they can create. This can be done using real objects or images. Students also work with graphs to interpret information.
The final objective in math is all about the big picture of math in our daily lives. Students identify real-world scenarios in which math can be used. They interpret word problems in order to calculate a solution. They develop their own abilities to solve problems by choosing from many different possible skills rather than having a teacher specifically instructing them to use one process or another.