The number of zeros, or the exponent, tells how many places the digits move. Multiplying moves them left and dividing moves them right. Fill empty places with zeros.
Watch for: Reading 10³ as 10 × 3 = 30 instead of 1,000. Moving the digits the wrong way: 28.4 ÷ 100 is 0.284, not 2,840. Adding zeros to the end of a decimal: 3.95 × 10 is 39.5, not 3.950.
At home: Say a number like 4.5 and a power of ten, and have your child give the answer. Check it on a calculator and look at where the digits moved.
Sample sheet and answer key
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 5 · Powers of 10 · 5.NBT.A.2
NameDate
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
Powers of 10
10³ means 10 × 10 × 10.
10⁴ =10² =10¹ =10⁵ =
Move the point
Multiplying by 10 moves every digit one place left.
New problems every time, three levels (gentle, core and stretch), themes to pick from, a second page if you want one. Each sheet comes with an answer key and a one-page guide for grown-ups.
