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Year 5 - Maths

Multiplying and dividing a number by 10, 100 and 1,000 including bridging 1

Calculating with decimal fractions

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will explain the effect of multiplying and dividing a number by 10, 100 and 1,000 and use their knowledge of multiplying decimal fractions by whole numbers to solve measures problems.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the effect of multiplying and dividing a number by 10, 100 and 1,000 including bridging 1.

Key Notes

  • When a number is divided by 10, 100 or 1,000, the digits move one, two or three places to the right respectively.
  • Dividing by 10, 100 or 1,000 is equivalent to multiplying by 0.1, 0.01 or 0.001 respectively.
  • Multiplying by 0.1, 0.01 or 0.001 is equivalent to multiplying by one tenth, one hundredth or one thousandth.
  • When a number is multiplied by 10, 100 or 1,000, the digits move one, two or three places to the right respectively.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Tenth: One-tenth is one part in ten equal parts.
  • Hundredth: One-hundredth is one part in one hundred equal parts.
  • Thousandth: One-thousandth is one part in one thousand equal parts.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Children may 'add' a zero when multiplying or vice versa when dividing. Children may place a zero at the end of the decimal fraction when multiplying, or vice versa when dividing.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

When a number is divided by 10, 100 or 1,000, the digits move one, two or three places to the right respectively. Dividing by 10, 100 or 1,000 is equivalent to multiplying by 0.1, 0.01 or 0.001 respectively.

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

One-tenth is one part in ten equal parts. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: Children may 'add' a zero when multiplying or vice versa when dividing. Children may place a zero at the end of the decimal fraction when multiplying, or vice versa when dividing. Correction: When we 'add' zero, the value of the number does not change. When we multiply or divide by a power of 10, we need to move all the digits the appropriate spaces to the left/right even if this means bridging one and moving into the decimal places.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 5 Maths guide library.