Free Printable Powers of Ten Worksheets for Year 5

In 5th grade, students are formally introduced to using whole-number exponents to denote powers of ten (e.g., 10³). They apply this to explain patterns in the placement of the decimal point when a decimal is multiplied or divided by a power of ten.

Build on the 4th-grade concept of "shifting" digits. Use a place value chart that includes decimal places. Show that multiplying by 10 moves the decimal point one place to the right, making the number 10 times larger, while dividing by 10 moves it one place to the left, making it 10 times smaller.

Good practice problems require students to connect exponents to the number of decimal places moved. For example: 5.28 x 10³ = ? or 457.1 ÷ 10² = ?. Also include problems that ask students to write the power of ten used in an equation, like 0.63 x ___ = 630.

A key misconception is confusing the direction of the decimal shift. Students often incorrectly move the decimal to the right when dividing or to the left when multiplying. They may also misinterpret the exponent, thinking 10² means "move two places" but forgetting whether it makes the number larger or smaller.

This topic is a central part of the 5th grade Common Core State Standards for Numbers and Operations in Base Ten. Students are expected to explain patterns in the number of zeros and the placement of the decimal point when multiplying or dividing by powers of ten, and to use whole-number exponents to denote them.

These worksheets can be assigned as interactive digital quizzes on Wayground or downloaded as printable PDFs for in-class work or homework. For printed assignments, you can use the Wayground for Teachers app to quickly scan and grade student work. Every worksheet includes a full answer key.