Multiplying decimals by 10, 100 and 1000
A worksheet to help your child understand what happens to a decimal number when it is multiplied by 10, 100 and 1000.
How can you teach children to multiply decimals at primary school age?
Teaching children to multiply decimals can be a fun process!
- Start with whole numbers
Children this age usually already know how to multiply whole numbers, so they start with what they know. For example, multiplying 3 x 4 to get 12.
- Introduce decimals as small numbers
Teachers often explain that decimals are just parts of a whole. For example, 0.3 is smaller than 3 because it's like saying 3 tenths instead of 3 whole things.
- Line up the numbers
When multiplying decimals, children are taught to ignore the decimal point at first. They multiply the numbers as if they were whole numbers.
- Count the decimal places
After multiplying, they count how many numbers are after the decimal in the problem. For example, in 0.3 x 0.4, both numbers have 1 decimal place, so the answer will have 2 decimal places (0.12).
- Put the decimal in the answer
Finally, they place the decimal in the answer based on the number of decimal places they counted. This makes the answer smaller than multiplying whole numbers.
Teachers often use visual aids, like grids or number lines, to help kids picture decimals as parts of a whole. They also encourage lots of practice, sometimes with fun games or real-life examples (like money).
This step-by-step approach helps children feel more comfortable with decimals and shows them that it’s not so different from what they already know.
How will this decimal worksheet help your child multiply decimals?
This decimal worksheet was made by a primary school teacher with the specific aim to help children build their confidence with multiplying decimals. This worksheet can be used at home or in the classroom. It focuses on multiplying by 10, 100 and 1000.
For more help with decimals, visit our hub page.
