Distributing Decimals: How to Multiply with a 1-digit Whole Number

Distributive Property Formula:

\(a \times (b + c) = (a \times b) + (a \times c)\)

Multiplying Decimals by a 1-digit Whole Number Using the Distributive Property

Example 1:

Multiply \(2.3\) by \(4\).

Solution Process:

1. Break \(2.3\) into \(2 + 0.3\).

2. Apply the distributive property: \(4 \times (2 + 0.3) = (4 \times 2) + (4 \times 0.3)\).

Answer:

\(4 \times 2 = 8\) and \(4 \times 0.3 = 1.2\). Summing these gives \(9.2\).

The Absolute Best Book for 5th Grade Students

Example 2:

Multiply \(3.5\) by \(3\).

Solution Process:

1. Break \(3.5\) into \(3 + 0.5\).

2. Apply the distributive property: \(3 \times (3 + 0.5) = (3 \times 3) + (3 \times 0.5)\).

Answer:

\(3 \times 3 = 9\) and \(3 \times 0.5 = 1.5\). Summing these gives \(10.5\).

The distributive property offers a structured approach to multiplying decimals by 1-digit whole numbers. By breaking down the decimal into its whole number and fractional parts, you can simplify the multiplication process. This method not only reinforces your understanding of decimals but also strengthens your foundational knowledge of multiplication. With practice, you’ll find that using the distributive property makes decimal multiplication a breeze!

Pre-Algebra for Beginners The Ultimate Step by Step Guide to Preparing for the Pre-Algebra Test

Download

$27.99 Original price was: $27.99.$17.99Current price is: $17.99.

Rated 4.30 out of 5 based on 105 customer ratings

Satisfied 92 Students

Practice Questions:

1. Multiply \(1.4\) by \(5\) using the distributive property.

2. Determine the product of \(2.6\) and \(6\) using the distributive property.

3. Multiply \(0.7\) by \(8\) using the distributive property.

4. Determine the product of \(3.8\) and \(7\) using the distributive property.

5. Multiply \(4.9\) by \(2\) using the distributive property.

A Perfect Book for Grade 5 Math Word Problems!

Answers:

1. \(7\)

2. \(15.6\)

3. \(5.6\)

4. \(26.6\)

5. \(9.8\)

The Best Math Books for Elementary Students