Grade 4 Mathematics marks the transition from concrete number work to more abstract mathematical thinking. The CAPS curriculum covers five main content areas: Numbers, Operations and Relationships, Patterns, Functions and Algebra, Space and Shape (Geometry), Measurement, and Data Handling. Learners work with whole numbers up to 10 000, are introduced to common fractions, and begin to solve multi-step problems. Mental mathematics and number sense remain central — a strong Grade 4 mathematician can calculate quickly, spot patterns and explain their reasoning.
- Count, order, compare and represent whole numbers to 10 000
- Place value: units, tens, hundreds, thousands
- Addition and subtraction to 10 000 with and without regrouping
- Multiplication tables: 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 — mental recall
- Number patterns — extend and describe rules
- 2D shapes: identify, name and describe properties
- Symmetry — lines of symmetry in shapes
- Mental mathematics: round numbers to nearest 10 and 100
- Common fractions: halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, sixths, eighths, tenths
- Fractions on a number line — order and compare
- Multiplication: 2-digit × 1-digit using expanded notation
- Division: sharing and grouping with remainders
- 3D objects: cubes, rectangular prisms, pyramids, cylinders, cones, spheres
- Length: estimate, measure and record using mm, cm, m, km
- Perimeter of 2D shapes — count and calculate
- Area using informal units and then standard units
- Properties of operations: commutative, associative, distributive
- Multiples and factors — identify and list
- Division: long division with 2-digit divisors (introduction)
- Numeric and geometric patterns — tables and rules
- Time: read analogue and digital clocks, calculate intervals
- Mass: estimate, measure and record using g and kg
- Capacity/Volume: estimate, measure and record using ml and l
- Data: collect, organise and represent in tally tables and bar graphs
- Revision of all four operations with whole numbers to 10 000
- Word problems: multi-step with all four operations
- Equivalent fractions — halves, quarters, eighths
- Transformations: tessellations and symmetry patterns
- Temperature: read thermometers in °C
- Probability: language of probability (certain, impossible, likely, unlikely)
- Data revision: pictographs and bar graphs with many-to-one correspondence
- Number sentences and solving for unknowns: □ + 5 = 12
Learn your multiplication tables first. Almost everything in Grade 4 Maths — fractions, division, word problems — requires fast multiplication. Spend 5 minutes every day drilling your tables until they are automatic.
Show all your working. In tests, marks are given for method not just the answer. Even if your final answer is wrong, you can still earn marks by showing correct working steps.
Underline what the question is asking. Word problems contain a lot of information. Underline the question (usually the last sentence) and the key numbers before you start calculating.
Check your answer by working backwards. After solving, verify by reversing the operation. If you found 48 ÷ 6 = 8, check: 8 × 6 = 48. This takes 5 seconds and catches most errors.
Draw a picture for geometry questions. If a question describes a shape or space problem, draw it out before calculating. A sketch helps you see what operation is needed.
Mental maths daily makes everything easier. Practise adding and subtracting multiples of 10 and 100 in your head. A strong number sense means less calculator dependence and faster working in tests.