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 key information and the operation needed in word problems involving decimals and whole numbers.
Translate real-world scenarios into mathematical expressions for multiplication.
Accurately multiply decimals by whole numbers.
Determine the correct placement of the decimal point in the product.
Interpret the product in the context of the original word problem, including appropriate units.
Solve multi-step word problems involving multiplication of decimals and whole numbers.
Ever wonder how stores calculate the total cost when you buy several items that cost a specific amount per item, like 3.5 pounds of apples? 🍎 Let's find out!
In this lesson, you'll learn how to tackle word problems that require multiplying decimals by whole numbers. U...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
DecimalA number that contains a decimal point, representing a part of a whole. It shows values less than one.3.75, 0.5, 12.01
Whole NumberA number without fractions or decimals; a non-negative integer.0, 1, 5, 100
ProductThe result obtained when two or more numbers are multiplied together.In the equation 4 x 2.5 = 10, the number 10 is the product.
Word ProblemA mathematical problem presented in a narrative or story format, requiring careful reading and interpretation to solve.If a shirt costs $12.50, how much do 3 shirts cost?
Unit RateA rate where the second quantity in the comparison is one unit. It often tells you the cost or amount 'per' a single item or unit.$2.50 per pound, 60 miles per hour, 0.75 cups per batch.
TotalThe entire amount or sum, often f...
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Core Formulas
Rule for Multiplying Decimals by Whole Numbers
1. Multiply the numbers as if they were both whole numbers, ignoring the decimal point initially.
2. Count the total number of decimal places in the decimal factor.
3. Place the decimal point in the product so it has the same number of decimal places as counted in step 2.
This rule guides the calculation part of solving any word problem that involves multiplying a decimal by a whole number. For example, to calculate $3.25 \times 4$, you would first calculate $325 \times 4 = 1300$. Since $3.25$ has two decimal places, the product will also have two decimal places, making the answer $13.00$ or $13$.
Strategy for Solving Word Problems (CUBES)
1. **C**ircle the numbers and key units.
2. **U**nderline the question.
3. **B**ox keyword...
5 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A coffee shop sells coffee for $2.65 per cup. They also sell muffins for $1.80 each. On Monday, they sold 72 cups of coffee and 45 muffins. What is the difference between the total revenue from coffee and the total revenue from muffins?
A.$190.80
B.$81.00
C.$109.80
D.$271.80
Challenging
A factory produces copper wire. A full spool holds 50 meters of wire and weighs 14.5 kilograms. The empty spool weighs 1.2 kilograms. If the factory sells a custom order of 180 meters of wire, what is the weight of just the copper wire sold, not including any spools?
A.47.88 kilograms
B.52.2 kilograms
C.43.5 kilograms
D.49.32 kilograms
Challenging
Team A and Team B are in a fundraising competition. Team A has 12 members, and each member raises an average of $45.50. Team B has 8 members and raises a total of $520. Which team raised more money, and by how much?
A.Team A by $26.00
B.Team B by $26.00
C.Team A by $546.00
D.Team B by $34.00
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