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Year 4 - Maths

Use place value to explain placing a zero after the final digit when we multiply whole numbers by 10

Understand what happens when a number is multiplied or divided by 10 and 100

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will explain the relationship between multiplying and dividing a number by 10 and multiples of 10.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use place value to explain placing a zero after the final digit when we multiply whole numbers by 10.

Key Notes

  • Multiples of 10 have a zero in the ones column.
  • A digit in the tens column is 10 times the value of a digit in the ones column.
  • Multiplying by ten moves all the digits one column to the left making them ten times the size.
  • When a number is multiplied by ten the product is a multiple of ten.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Placeholder: A placeholder is where we use the digit zero to hold a place in a number and maintain place value.
  • Magnitude: The magnitude of a number is its distance from zero.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Many pupils believe that 'adding zero' is multiplying by 10 which can lead to difficulties later on when they are introduced to decimal numbers.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

Multiples of 10 have a zero in the ones column. A digit in the tens column is 10 times the value of a digit in the ones column.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Placeholder'

A placeholder is where we use the digit zero to hold a place in a number and maintain place value. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: Many pupils believe that 'adding zero' is multiplying by 10 which can lead to difficulties later on when they are introduced to decimal numbers. Correction: Don't dismiss it. It's a pattern that has been spotted and generalised. Do encourage the children to work with physical resources that don't involve the numbers themselves so they can understand that it isn't adding zero but changing place value.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 4 Maths guide library.