Math · Stage 5

Multiply & Divide by 10, 100 and 1000

Multiplying by 10, 100 or 1000 shifts every digit 1, 2 or 3 places to the LEFT (it grows). Dividing shifts them the same number of places to the RIGHT (it shrinks). It works for whole numbers AND decimals — never just "add zeros".

✦ Math📘 Stage 5 · S5⏱ ~13 min🧒 Ages 9–10★ Free to start

I can multiply and divide whole numbers and decimals by 10, 100 and 1000.

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Kavi and the Power-of-Ten Lift 🛗

Kavi the owl steps into the Power-of-Ten lift. "Press × 10 and every digit rides one floor up — the number grows," hoots Kavi. "Press ÷ 10 and they slide one floor down — it shrinks. × 100 jumps two floors, × 1000 jumps three. The decimal point stays put while the digits travel!"

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What your child will learn

1Multiply → every digit shifts LEFTWhen you multiply by 10, each digit moves one place to the left — ones become tens, tens become hundreds. The number gets ten times bigger. By 100 it shifts two places; by 1000, three places. Watch the same rule work for whole numbers and decimals.

2Divide → every digit shifts RIGHTDividing is the opposite journey. By 10, each digit moves one place to the right and the number gets ten times smaller; by 100, two places; by 1000, three. When a digit falls past the ones place it becomes a decimal — fill any empty place with 0.

3Which way does the number travel?Every power-of-ten question is really two small questions: which direction (× or ÷) and how many places (10, 100 or 1000). Tap each card.

4Does it grow or shrink?Before you work out the digits, decide the direction. Multiplying by a power of ten always makes a number bigger; dividing always makes it smaller. Sort each one.

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A peek inside

Work out 3.6 × 100.

× 100 shifts every digit two places left: 3.6 → 36 → 360

Try this at home: Multiply — shift 1 place left: 52 × 10 = __

Ready to play and learn?

Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.

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Part of Math · Stage 5 · S5 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.