Grade 4 Math Book · Multiplication & Division
A Remainder of One
by Elinor J. Pinczes
The 25th squadron of bug soldiers marches for the queen, but in rows of 2, then 3, then 4, Private Joe is always left over. Can he find a way to make the lines come out even?
Why it's useful
A rhyming story that makes division with remainders easy to see.
- What a remainder means. Joe is the leftover bug when 25 doesn't split evenly.
- Factors. Kids find which numbers divide 25 with nothing left over.
- Trying again. The bugs test one row size after another, which is real problem solving.
Try it in class or at home
- Bug lines. Give groups 25 counters and test rows of 2, 3, 4 and 5. Record the remainders.
- Change the number. Try 24 bugs. Which rows work now?
- Remainder stories. Write a short story where a remainder matters, like sharing cookies.