Area works with decimals too. Pupils use the interactive to model multiplication of two decimals using an area model. They see how the decomposed components of the factors obtain partial products and then the complete product. Using area models reinforces the standard algorithm for multiplication of decimals. 

Concepts

area model, decimals, multiplying decimals, multiplication, factors

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Provide the class several decimal multiplication problems to find the solution using partial products

Classroom Considerations

• Restricts decimals to tenths as factors
• The class should be familiar with area models for multiplication

Pros

• Provides an opportunity for teachers to share activities
• Shows products either on a grid or using base-10 blocks

Cons

• None

Common Core

5.NF.B.4.a 5.NF.B.4.b 5.NF.B.5.a 5.NF.B.5.b