Multiply & Divide Decimals Word Problems

Front

What is a decimal?

Back

A decimal is a fraction whose denominator is a power of ten, represented with a decimal point. For example, 0.5 is a decimal that represents 5/10.

Front

How do you multiply decimals?

Back

To multiply decimals, multiply the numbers as if they were whole numbers, then count the total number of decimal places in both numbers and place the decimal point in the product accordingly.

Front

How do you divide decimals?

Back

To divide decimals, move the decimal point in the divisor to the right until it is a whole number, then move the decimal point in the dividend the same number of places. Divide as you would with whole numbers.

Front

What is the first step in solving a word problem involving multiplication of decimals?

Back

Identify the quantities involved and determine if you need to multiply or divide based on the context of the problem.

Front

In the problem, 'Selena Gomez has a new CD coming out next fall. She will spend 4.23 hours in the studio recording for a total of 84 days. How many hours will she spend recording total?', what operation do you use?

Back

Multiply. You multiply 4.23 hours by 84 days to find the total hours.

Front

In the problem, 'Janet drove from New York to Louisiana. It took 50 gallons of gas for her to get there. Gas cost $3.59/gallon. How much did she spend on gas?', what operation do you use?

Back

Multiply. You multiply 50 gallons by $3.59 per gallon to find the total cost.

Front

In the problem, 'Sophia went to the Farmer’s Market with her family. She had $5.00 to spend and decided she wanted to spend it on peaches. Each peach cost 68 cents. How many peaches could she buy?', what operation do you use?

Back

Divide. You divide $5.00 by $0.68 to find out how many peaches she can buy.

Front

In the problem, 'A new subdivision is being built. On one street, there is 5.46 acres of land. The builder wants to build 4 houses, each with the same amount of land. How much land will each house get?', what operation do you use?

Back

Divide. You divide 5.46 acres by 4 to find out how much land each house will get.

Front

In the problem, 'Starbucks coffee costs $9.99/pound. How many pounds of coffee could you get with $12.59?', what operation do you use?

Back

Divide. You divide $12.59 by $9.99 to find out how many pounds of coffee you can buy.

Front

What is the importance of understanding whether to multiply or divide in word problems?

Back

Understanding whether to multiply or divide helps you set up the problem correctly and find the right solution.