Multiplying Decimals with Models

Multiplying Decimals with Models and Partial Products

MGSE5.NBT.7 Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals to hundredths, using concrete models or drawings and strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction; relate the strategy to a written method and explain the reasoning used.

The use of symbolic notations involves having students record the answers to computations (2.25 X 3= 6.75), but this work should not be done without models or pictures. This standard includes students’ reasoning and explanations of how they use models, pictures, and strategies.

Once students understand models, they may move to partial products which leads into standard algorithm multiplication.  This should NOT be the first step to solving decimal computation problems.