Grade 5 Decimal Scaling Word Problems
Use ribbon lengths to explain decimal scale factors.
Teaching notes for parents and teachers
How to teach it
Show one original length and discuss whether the multiplier is below, equal to, or above one before calculating.
Ask your student
Should the second ribbon be shorter or longer? Why?
If your student needs help
If the product contradicts the prediction, review the place value of the multiplier and the decimal point.
Choosing and using the worksheet
Each set has four ribbon stories: two with shorter second ribbons and two with longer second ribbons. First lengths are positive, non-whole-number tenths below 10 meters. Multipliers are positive, non-whole-number tenths below 2. Products are exact in hundredths. Predict whether each answer will be smaller or larger, show multiplication and partial products, then check the answer against the first length. The worked examples above illustrate the method; they are not guaranteed to appear in every set.
Make a practice set
Select the worksheet, answer key, or both. When both are selected, the answer key prints after the questions. Keep it separate if you want your student to work independently.
After your student finishes
Ask the child to explain why the second ribbon is shorter or longer, check the decimal point using the expected size, and label the answer in meters.
Calculation practiceMultiplying Decimals Worksheets – Tenths by Tenths
Use tenths and hundredths to explain the product, then show your work.
8 problems · Answer key included
More about multiplication · Grade 5 worksheets
Grade 5 selected skill connection: 5.NBT.B.7 (selected decimal multiplication using models and place-value reasoning). See the Common Core standards for this grade. This worksheet does not cover every requirement in the standard.