4th Grade Multi-Step Word Problems & Remainders
Solve two-step word problems with whole numbers across all four operations (+, −, ×, ÷), write equations with a variable, and interpret division remainders in real-world contexts. Aligned with Common Core CCSS 4.OA.A.3.
Worksheet version 1 of 12. The answer key matches the current version.
1. [Bakery Order] A baker packed 4 boxes with 12 muffins in each box, plus 7 extra muffins on a tray. How many muffins are there in all?
Equation: (4 × 12) + 7 = ____ muffins
2. [Craft Workshop] An art teacher started with 120 beads. She gave 5 tables 14 beads each. How many beads does she have left?
Equation: 120 − (5 × 14) = ____ beads
3. [Orchard Harvest] Leo picked 21 apples and Mia picked 15 apples. They packed all the apples equally into 4 crates. How many apples went into each crate?
Equation: (21 + 15) ÷ 4 = ____ apples
4. [Camping Trip — Interpret Remainder] 44 scouts are going camping. Each tent holds 6 scouts. What is the minimum number of tents needed so every scout has a spot?
Division: 44 ÷ 6 = ____ R____ -> Tents needed: ____
5. [Gift Bags — Interpret Remainder] A party host has 41 stickers and puts 5 stickers into each gift bag. How many FULL gift bags can she make?
Division: 41 ÷ 5 = ____ R____ -> Full bags: ____
6. [Classroom Library — Interpret Remainder] A librarian arranges 45 new books equally onto 7 shelves with as many as possible on each shelf. How many books are left over for the display table?
Division: 45 ÷ 7 = ____ R____ -> Left over: ____ books
About Multi-Step Word Problems & Interpreting Remainders (CCSS 4.OA.A.3)
- Break multi-step stories into Step 1 (find the hidden intermediate amount) and Step 2 (use that result to answer the question).
- When dividing in real life, interpret the remainder three ways: (1) Round up by 1 so everyone/everything fits (tents, vans), (2) Drop the remainder when only full groups count (full gift bags), or (3) Use the remainder itself when asked how many are left over.
- Check that your final answer is reasonable using mental estimation.
Related Math Worksheets
Free printable 3rd grade division fact fluency worksheet: basic division facts within 100 with no remainders, the inverse of the times tables kids already know.
Free 4th grade division with remainders worksheet: practice quotients and remainders with facts within 100 (CCSS 4.NBT.B.6).