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Grade 5 · Developing · 10 minute lesson

Scale decimals by powers of ten

Explain decimal scaling through place-value changes.

Lesson 10 of 30 in Grade 5. Take the time you need; the lesson estimate is a guide.

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01 · Read and understand

What you will learn

  • Explain decimal scaling through place-value changes.
  • Explain your method and check what the result means in the stated situation.

Before you start

Multi-digit operations, equivalent fractions, decimal place value, and rectangular area.

Keep paper nearby. Read the question once for the context, then again to identify what is known and what you need to find.

Start with a question

Find 3.47 × 100 and 3.47 ÷ 10.

Why this math matters

Check metric conversions by asking whether the numerical count should grow or shrink. The worked example shows how to connect the situation, its mathematical representation, and a check on the result.

Hands-on mathematics materials for exploring numbers, shapes, and measurement
Make a representation of your own.Sketch the quantities or relationships in this question before working through the solution. The cover image sets the learning scene; it does not show this problem’s exact values.

Set up the model

A useful answer starts with clear assumptions:

  • Use the units, grouping rules, and reference whole stated in the question.
  • Treat the supplied counts and measurements as exact within the classroom model, unless an estimate or a random outcome is requested.

02 · Work through the example

Follow the reasoning, one step at a time.

Try to predict the next step before reading it. After each calculation, explain why the operation makes sense and how it helps answer the original question.

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See this example unfold.

The complete worked example, one idea at a time.

Text-led walkthrough · no audioAmar’s portrait was edited with AI.

Scale decimals by powers of ten

Paused

Question: Start with the question. Paused.

Question

Start with the question

Find 3.47 × 100 and 3.47 ÷ 10.

Before you calculate

Read what is known and what you need to find. Make a prediction before moving to the first calculation.

Starts paused. Play advances through the full text at a reading pace; pause whenever you need more time. Previous, Next, and the phase buttons let you set your own pace. Playback pauses when this walkthrough leaves the screen or you switch tabs.

Your device’s reduced-motion setting keeps each phase still. Manual controls remain available. The full written solution stays below.

  1. Represent the situation

    ×100 makes each value one hundred times as large

    Each digit occupies a place two positions larger.

  2. Connect the parts

    ÷10 makes each value one tenth as large

    Each digit occupies a place one position smaller.

  3. State and check the result

    3.47 × 100 = 347; 3.47 ÷ 10 = 0.347

    Zeros fill any newly empty places.

The result

3.47 × 100 = 347; 3.47 ÷ 10 = 0.347

Zeros fill any newly empty places.

Common mistakes to catch

  • Explain changing digit values instead of merely saying the point moves.
  • Division by ten makes positive values smaller.

03 · Practice independently

Try it before revealing the answer.

Use paper or a calculator as needed. Write your units and reasoning, then open the hint or explanation to check your approach.

Practice 1

Find 0.056 × 1,000.

Show a hint

Each digit shifts three place values larger.

Reveal answer and explanation

56

Fifty-six thousandths multiplied by one thousand becomes fifty-six.

Practice 2

Why does multiplying 0.4 by ten give 4 rather than 0.40?

Show a hint

A trailing zero does not multiply value.

Reveal answer and explanation

Four tenths must become four ones

0.40 is still four tenths, while 4 is ten times larger.

Take the idea with you

Check metric conversions by asking whether the numerical count should grow or shrink.

04 · Reflect and continue

Can you explain it in your own words?

Before moving on, explain the main idea without looking at the worked example. Try both practice questions, check your reasoning, and name one mistake you now know how to avoid. Return to a step if you still need support.

Next lesson

Up next: Multiply a decimal by a whole count

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