standard_description: 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, rectangular arrays, and/or area models.
Grade 4 expectations in this domain are limited to whole numbers less than or equal to 1,000,000.
problem_activity: Task
There are two snakes at the zoo, Jewel and Clyde. Jewel was six feet and Clyde was eight feet. A year later Jewel was eight feet and  Clyde was 10 feet. When asked which one grew more, students gave varying answers.
Mia said, “Since the two snakes both grew two feet ($8-6=2$ and $10-8=2$) then I would say that they grew the same amount.”
Raul said, “They both grew 2 feet, but Jewel was only 6 feet to start with while Clyde was 8 feet to start with. That means Jewel grew more compared to her original length (2 is a larger part of six than it is of eight).“
Compare the two arguments. Describe the difference in the way the two students are thinking about the problem. Suppose a one-foot snake grew two feet and a 20-foot snake grew two feet. Could the two students still make the same type of argument?


aligns: no