Formative Instructional and Assessment Tasks

Adding Zeros
4.NBT.1 Task 2
Domain Numbers and Operations in Base Ten
Cluster Generalize place value understanding for multi-digit whole numbers.
Standard(s) 4.NBT.1 Recognize that in a multi-digit whole number, a digit in one place represents ten
times what it represents in the place to its right.
Materials Paper and pencil
Task Give students the following writing prompt:

Gina said, Forty-six multiplied by 10 is 460 because when you multiply a number by
ten, you add a zero on to the end of it. Do you agree or disagree with Gina? Explain
your reasoning. Give at least one example to support your reason.

Level I
Limited Performance
Students think that multiplying
by ten is like adding a zero on
to a number. They do not
understand the relationship
between multiplying by ten
and the place value shift that
digits make.
Rubric
Level II
Not Yet Proficient
The student may agree or
disagree, but cannot clearly
articulate that 46 x 10 = 460
because each digit is ten times
as much and shifts place value
one place to the left. The
student cannot generate an
example to support this idea.
Level III
Proficient in Performance
The student may agree or
disagree, and can clearly
articulate that 46 x 10 = 460
because each digit is ten times
as much and shifts place value
one place to the left. The
student is able to generate an
example to support this idea.

Standards for Mathematical Practice

1. Makes sense and perseveres in solving problems.
2. Reasons abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Constructs viable arguments and critiques the reasoning of others.
4. Models with mathematics.
5. Uses appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attends to precision.
7. Looks for and makes use of structure.
8. Looks for and expresses regularity in repeated reasoning.

NC DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION FOURTH GRADE

 Formative Instructional and Assessment Tasks
Adding Zeroes
Gina said, Forty-six multiplied by 10 is 460 because when you multiply a number
by ten, you add a zero on to the end of it.

Do you agree or disagree with Gina? Explain your reasoning. Give at least one
example to support your reason.

NC DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION FOURTH GRADE