About this worksheet
Powers of ten patterns help students see how each digit's value changes when a number is multiplied or divided by 10, 100, or 1,000 asks fifth graders to coordinate notation, calculation, and reasoning instead of applying a memorized step in isolation. Students may move a decimal point mechanically without checking whether the number should become greater or smaller. This worksheet rotates through short self-checking items so students practice the named skill from several angles. Students multiply and divide by powers of ten, compare digit values, use exponents, and explain how place value changes. Support versions keep numbers friendlier while preserving the same reasoning. Standard and challenge versions add closer choices, less familiar values, or an extra comparison step. Encourage your child to name the operation, place value, unit, or property before calculating. If an answer is close but uses the wrong place, denominator, operation order, or unit, it is the trap.
What your child will learn
- Use powers of ten
- Shift place values
- Compare digit values
- Explain patterns
Worked example
5.6 x 100 = 560 because each digit moves two places to the left in value.
Common mistake
Moving the decimal in the wrong direction when dividing instead of multiplying.
Helpful hint
Multiplying by a power of ten makes the value larger; dividing makes it smaller.
Worksheet 1