Multiplying and Dividing Decimals by Powers of Ten

Need some basic practice with decimals first? Changing Decimals to Fractions

In any multiplication problem, the numbers being multiplied are called the factors. For example, in the multiplication problem $\,23.7\times 10\,,$ the factors are $\,23.7\,$ and $\,10\,.$

To multiply a decimal by powers of ten, you move the decimal point one place to the right for each factor of ten.

Recall that $\,10^5\,$ is a shorthand for $\,5\,$ factors of $\,10\,$: $\,10^5 = 10\cdot 10\cdot 10\cdot 10\cdot 10\,.$ Similarly, $\,10^n\,$ is a shorthand for $\,n\,$ factors of $\,10\,.$ The $\,\times\,$ symbol is used for multiplication in these problems, because the centered dot is too easily confused with the decimal point.

Examples

To divide a decimal by powers of ten, you move the decimal point one place to the left for each factor of ten.

In this web exercise, division is denoted using either the ‘$\,\div\,$’ symbol, or a horizontal fraction bar.

Examples

Make sure you understand why this works! For example, when $\,2.37\,$ is divided by $\,10\,,$ the $\,2\,$ ones should turn into $\,2\,$ tenths. Moving the decimal point one place to the left accomplishes this.

Practice