Teaching Resource
The Chuggin' Along Train Company - Operations with Whole Numbers
Choosing the Right Operation
This activity helps students answer a common question when solving word problems – Which operation do I use?
Students focus on the action in the problem so that the operation is clear.
Each problem in this activity contains the same numbers, with a few distractors.
The structure of the problem forces students to use the context to decide which operation to use, rather than guess based on the size of the numbers.
8 problems include operations with whole numbers.
Use with small groups, during guided math, in tutoring or invention, and in centers.
This activity includes clear and concise teacher directions, an answer key, and conversation starters that give students what they need to have meaningful academic discussions.
Common Core Curriculum alignment
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.OA.A.3
Solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole-number answers using the four operations, including problems in which remainders must be interpreted. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unkn...
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NBT.B.4
Fluently add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NBT.B.5
Multiply a whole number of up to four digits by a one-digit whole number, and multiply two two-digit numbers, using strategies based on place value and the properties of operations. Illustrate and explain the calculation by using equations, rectangul...
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NBT.B.6
Find whole-number quotients and remainders with up to four-digit dividends and one-digit divisors, using strategies based on place value, the properties of operations, and/or the relationship between multiplication and division. Illustrate and explai...

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