Reveal Math Grade 5, Unit 6: Multiplication of Decimals
In this unit, your child multiplies decimals: a decimal by a whole number, like 3 × 1.25, and a decimal by a decimal, like 0.2 × 0.3. They use grids, area models, and place value to see why the products come out as they do, and estimate to place the decimal point. It follows whole-number division and leads into dividing decimals.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 6?
- Multiplying decimals by whole numbers and by decimals to the hundredths, using grids, area models, and estimates to place the decimal point. Learn more about adding and subtracting decimals to hundredths: Adding and subtracting decimals to hundredths · Learn more about multiplying decimals to hundredths · Learn more about dividing decimals to hundredths
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Amara bikes 4.6 kilometers to the library and then 3.85 kilometers to the park. How far does she bike in all?
- 4.31 kilometers
- 7.45 kilometers
- 8.45 kilometers
How you can help
- Multiply prices at the store, like 4 boxes of pasta at $1.29. Estimate first with $1.30, then find the exact total together.
- Draw a 10 by 10 grid and shade it to show 0.3 × 0.4, three tenths of four tenths. Count the hundredths squares together.
- Find part of a distance on a walk or ride, like 0.5 of a 2.4-mile loop. Ask your child whether the answer is more or less than 1 mile before working it out.
Where kids can get stuck
- Counting decimal places wrong, so 0.2 × 0.3 gets written as 0.6 instead of 0.06.
- Expecting every product to be bigger than both factors, so 0.5 × 8 = 4 looks like a mistake.
- Skipping the estimate, so 3 × 1.25 comes out as 37.5 instead of 3.75, even though 3 × 1 is only 3.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- decimal
- A number with a decimal point, showing parts of a whole in tenths, hundredths, and smaller.
- decimal point
- The dot that separates the whole number from the parts of a whole.
- tenth
- One of 10 equal parts of a whole, written 0.1.
- hundredth
- One of 100 equal parts of a whole, written 0.01.
- product
- The answer to a multiplication problem.
- factor
- A number that is multiplied by another number.
- estimate
- A close guess found by rounding or using easy numbers.
- area model
- A rectangle split into parts to show multiplication or division.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with multiplying decimals?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
Join the club
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Reveal Math Grade 5 Unit 6 cover?
Reveal Math Grade 5 Unit 6 covers this math standard. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 5.NBT.B.7: Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals to hundredths.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.