Four Fours — an Order-of-Operations Puzzle (Grades 5–6)
In "Four Fours," you make different target numbers using exactly four 4s and any operations/parentheses.
Understanding four fours
It's a playful way to master combining operations: 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 16, but 4 × 4 + 4 + 4 = 24, and 4 × 4 − 4 − 4 = 8. Small changes in operation make big changes in value.
Seeing it in action
Worked example
Make 16 with four 4s.
4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 16. (Or 4 × 4 × (4 ÷ 4) = 16.)
Exactly four 4s, arranged carefully.
A common mistake, and the fix
Using more or fewer than four 4s.
4 × 4 = 16 uses only two 4s; 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 16 uses exactly four. Count the 4s before calling a target made.
Try a few
Make 8 with four 4s.
Make 4 with four 4s.
Make 0 with four 4s.
Try it in Numeris.
A short lesson, then practice with feedback on every answer.
Put the reasoning on paper.
Try six fraction, angle, perimeter and area questions with explained answers, for grades 4–6.
Free printable · 3 pagesText version (screen-reader friendly): Draw it. Explain it. Math sample
Want a printable set too?
Practise this skill in Numeris, browse more free math pages, or join our optional resource updates.
All free math pages →