Multiplying Decimals by Whole Numbers
This lesson teaches Year 5 students how to multiply decimals (up to 2 decimal places) by whole numbers. It focuses on the relationship between whole number multiplication and decimal multiplication, using formal column methods and place value understanding.
Learning objectives
- Multiply one-digit numbers with up to two decimal places by whole numbers.
- Use formal written methods (column multiplication) to solve decimal problems.
- Apply decimal multiplication to solve real-life word problems involving money and measures.
- Estimate answers to check for reasonableness when multiplying decimals.
Lesson plan (60 minutes)
Introduction · 10 min
Starter: Recalling multiplication facts and multiplying by 10/100.
Direct Instruction · 15 min
Teacher Explanation: Multiplying decimals by whole numbers using the 'remove and replace' decimal point method and formal column multiplication.
Guided Practice · 10 min
Guided Practice: Solving 3.2 x 4 together on mini-whiteboards.
Independent Practice · 20 min
Independent Practice: Differentiated worksheets (Support, Core, Stretch).
Review/Assessment · 5 min
Plenary: 8-question multiple-choice quiz and review of common misconceptions.
Key vocabulary
- Decimal
- A number that contains a decimal point and represents parts of a whole.
- Decimal Point
- The dot used to separate the whole number part from the fractional part.
- Decimal Place
- The position of a digit to the right of the decimal point (e.g., tenths, hundredths).
- Tenths
- A value ten times smaller than a unit (1/10). The first digit to the right of the decimal point.
- Hundredths
- A value one hundred times smaller than a unit (1/100). The second digit to the right of the decimal point.
Core worksheet (first questions)
- 1.2 x 4 =
- 4.5 x 3 =
- 5.6 x 8 =
- 4.38 x 4 =
Quiz (sample)
1. What is 0.6 x 4?
- A. 24
- B. 2.4
- C. 0.24
- D. 0.024
2. What is 0.9 x 5?
- A. 45
- B. 0.45
- C. 4.5
- D. 45.0
3. Calculate 1.4 x 3.
- A. 4.2
- B. 42
- C. 0.42
- D. 4.22
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