Florida Grade 4 Math · Algebraic Reasoning

MA.4.AR.2.2: Writing Equations With an Unknown

What this Grade 4 benchmark means, worked examples, common mistakes, and a free printable worksheet.

Created by a Florida mom · Published by Tropical Learning LLC

Download Free Worksheet (PDF)See worked examples

What Is Benchmark MA.4.AR.2.2?

Students write a multiplication or division equation for a problem, using a letter for the unknown number, and solve it. The unknown can be in any position and on either side of the equal sign.

For example, if 8 movie tickets cost $96 in all, the equation 96 = 8 × t shows the cost of one ticket, and t = 12.

Official benchmarkGiven a mathematical or real-world context, write an equation involving multiplication or division to determine the unknown whole number with the unknown in any position.

On the FAST test: part of the Grade 4 reporting category Number Sense and Operations with Whole Numbers, which is about 31–37% of the test.

Worked Examples

Worked Example 1

Equal Groups

A coach buys 9 soccer balls for $108. Each ball costs the same. Write an equation and find the cost of one ball.

19 balls times the cost of one ball equals 108: 9 × b = 108
29 × 12 = 108, so b = 12.

Answer: 9 × b = 108; each ball costs $12

Worked Example 2

Unknown Total

Some pencils are shared equally by 6 children, and each child gets 7. Write an equation and find the number of pencils.

1The total divided by 6 is 7: p ÷ 6 = 7
26 × 7 = 42, so p = 42.

Answer: p ÷ 6 = 7; 42 pencils

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Using addition for equal groups

Wrong:9 + b = 108

9 equal groups means multiplication: 9 × b = 108.

Multiplying the total by the number of groups

Wrong:9 × 108 = b

108 is the total, not a group size. Use 9 × b = 108, so b = 12.

Helpful Math Tip

Ask your child to say the equation in words first: "9 times the price of one ball is 108." Then replace the unknown with a letter.

Related Grade 4 Skills

MA.4.AR.2.1

True or False Equations

MA.4.AR.1.1

Multiplication and Division Word Problems

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Independent Educational Platform. FastChomp is published by Tropical Learning LLC and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Florida Department of Education. FAST and Star assessment names are referenced for informational purposes only. FastChomp practice questions are original educational materials, not official Florida FAST assessment questions.