Multiply Decimals by 10

You might be thinking that when we multiply numbers by 10, we simply add a 0 to the end.

However, when the numbers are decimals, this rule does not work.

5.46 × 10 does not equal 5.460

When we multiply numbers by 10, each digit must move one place to the left.  

When we look at the columns in a Th, H, T, O grid we notice that thousands are 10 times bigger than hundreds, which are 10 times bigger than tens, which are 10 times bigger than ones etc...

Example

5.46 × 10 = ?

Here is 5.46 in a Th, H, T, O grid.

Answer

We simply move each of the digits one place to the left.

The 5 moves from the ones to the tens, the 4 moves from the tenths to the ones and the 6 moves from the hundredths to the tenths.

5.46 × 10 = 54.6 

Does that make sense?

Let's have a go at some questions then.