Decimals - Divide Decimals by 10, 100 and 1,000 - Presentation

In a series of engaging mathematics lessons, students are introduced to the concept of dividing decimals by 10, 100, and 1,000. The lessons begin with a discussion that draws parallels between dividing whole numbers and decimals by these multiples. Using a place value grid, students are encouraged to explore the value of each digit in a given decimal and how these digits shift when the decimal is divided by 10, 100, or 1,000. For instance, dividing 14.4 by 10 results in 1.44, by 100 results in 0.144, and by 1,000 results in 0.0144. This visual representation on the grid aids in understanding the method of moving the digits to the right to achieve the division.

Further activities include filling in missing numbers in a sequence of divisions, where students practice the technique of moving digits to the right to divide by these multiples, reinforcing their understanding of place value. For example, when dividing 24.3 by 10, the result is 2.43, and it continues to decrease with subsequent divisions by 10. The lessons also incorporate reasoning tasks where students must decide whether statements about division and multiplication by 1,000 are true, and they must justify their thinking. Another reasoning activity challenges students to consider the relationships between the perimeters of rectangles when their dimensions are altered by factors of 10 and 100, encouraging deeper reflection on the effects of decimal division on geometric shapes.