Mathematics
Grade 7
15 min
Multiply decimals and whole numbers: word problems
Multiply decimals and whole numbers: word problems
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify keywords and phrases in word problems that indicate multiplication of decimals and whole numbers.
Translate real-world scenarios involving decimals and whole numbers into mathematical multiplication expressions.
Accurately multiply decimal numbers by whole numbers.
Estimate the product of a decimal and a whole number to check for reasonableness.
Interpret the product in the context of the original word problem.
Solve multi-step word problems involving the multiplication of decimals and whole numbers.
Ever wonder how stores calculate the total cost when you buy several items that weigh a fraction of a pound? 🛒 It's all about multiplying decimals!
In this lesson, you'll learn how to tackle word problems that require multiplying decimals...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
DecimalA number that contains a decimal point, representing a part of a whole or a value between whole numbers.3.75, 0.5, 12.01
Whole NumberA number without fractions or decimals, including zero and positive integers.0, 1, 5, 100
Word ProblemA mathematical problem presented in a narrative form, requiring interpretation to solve.If a shirt costs $15.50, how much do 3 shirts cost?
ProductThe result obtained when two or more numbers are multiplied together.In 3 x 2.5 = 7.5, the number 7.5 is the product.
EstimateTo find an approximate value that is close enough to the correct answer, often by rounding numbers before calculating.Estimating 3 x 2.5 as 3 x 3 = 9.
Keywords for MultiplicationWords or phrases in a word problem that often indicate multiplication, such as '...
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Core Formulas
Decimal Multiplication Procedure
1. Ignore the decimal point and multiply the numbers as if they were whole numbers.
2. Count the total number of decimal places in the decimal factor.
3. Place the decimal point in the product so that it has the same number of decimal places as counted in step 2.
This rule guides the arithmetic process once you've identified the numbers to multiply in a word problem.
Word Problem Interpretation Strategy
1. Read the problem carefully to understand the scenario.
2. Identify what information is given and what needs to be found.
3. Look for keywords that suggest multiplication (e.g., 'each,' 'per,' 'total of' for multiple identical items).
4. Determine the decimal and the whole number involved in the multipli...
5 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
Jasmine has a budget of $50 for art supplies. She wants to buy a canvas for $18 and as many paint tubes as possible. Each paint tube costs $3.49. How many paint tubes can she buy?
A.14 tubes
B.10 tubes
C.9 tubes
D.8 tubes
Challenging
Which of the following word problems could be solved using the mathematical expression 12 × 4.5?
A.rope that is 12 meters long is cut into 4.5-meter pieces. How many pieces can be cut?
B.car travels 4.5 miles in 12 minutes. What is the car's speed in miles per minute?
C.rectangular garden has a length of 12 meters and a width of 4.5 meters. What is the area of the garden?
D.What is the total cost of a $12 item after a $4.50 discount is applied?
Challenging
A student estimates the product of 19 and 4.8 by calculating 20 × 5 = 100. The exact answer is 91.2. Why is it important to check an exact answer against an estimate like this?
A.To get a more precise answer than the original calculation.
B.To ensure the decimal point has been placed reasonably in the exact answer.
C.To practice rounding skills for future problems.
D.Because the estimated answer is always the correct one.
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