How to divide or multiply by 10s, 100s, 1000s

When dividing a number, the number gets smaller. So, the decimal point moves towards the left. However, when you are multiplying a number, the number gets bigger. So, the decimal point moves towards the right.To divide or multiply by 10, 100 or 1000, you first look at the number of zeros in 10, 100 and 1000 to tell you how many times you will move the decimal point to the left or to the right. For example, 345.89 ÷ 10 means that the decimal point will move towards the left once (as there is only one zero in 10). Therefore, the answer will be 34.589. Now, for multiplication, if I were to do 678.56 × 100, I would move the decimal point towards the right two times (as there are two zeros in 100). Therefore, the answer will be 67856.

AM
Answered by Adila M. Maths tutor

3797 Views

See similar Maths 11 Plus tutors

Related Maths 11 Plus answers

All answers ▸

Write down the next two terms in the sequence: 14, 17, 20, 23, ...


If the base of an equilateral triangle is 3cm, and the height is 5cm, what is the area?


At the performances last month, a total of seven-hundred and forty-four thousand, eight hundred and one drinks were sold at the theatre's restaurant bar. The manager wants to know how many drinks were sold, rounded to the nearest thousand drinks.


Why do we use algebra?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning