What students learn in AC9M6N06
This unit helps students build a clear, usable understanding of Multiply and divide decimals by multiples of powers of 10.... The goal is not to memorise one answer pattern. Students should be able to explain the idea, recognise it in a new example and apply it in a short practice or worksheet task.
- Start with the main idea: multiply and divide decimals by multiples of powers of 10 without a calculator, applying knowledge of place value and proficiency with multiplication facts; using estimation and rounding to check the reasonableness of answers.
- Use concrete examples, pictures, oral explanation and short written responses before moving to independent practice.
- applying place value knowledge, including that the value of the digit is 10 times smaller each time a place is moved to the right, and known multiplication facts, to multiply and divide a decimal by powers of 10 applying and explaining estimation strategies in multiplicative situations involving a decimal greater than one that is multiplied by a two- or three-digit number, using a multiple of 10 or 100 when the situation requires just an estimation
- Finish with mixed questions so students must choose the correct strategy rather than copy the last example.
Curriculum coverage and elaborations
The content description and elaborations below show the curriculum ideas taught in this unit. Items marked as teaching context support lesson planning but may not appear in the initial eight-question activity.
- Content description: multiply and divide decimals by multiples of powers of 10 without a calculator, applying knowledge of place value and proficiency with multiplication facts; using estimation and rounding to check the reasonableness of answers
- E1: applying place value knowledge, including that the value of the digit is 10 times smaller each time a place is moved to the right, and known multiplication facts, to multiply and divide a decimal by powers of 10
- E2: applying and explaining estimation strategies in multiplicative situations involving a decimal greater than one that is multiplied by a two- or three-digit number, using a multiple of 10 or 100 when the situation requires just an estimation
- E3: explaining the effect of multiplying or dividing a decimal by 10, 100, 1000 … in terms of place value and not the decimal point shifting
How to use this unit
Read the topic guide, use the teacher slide for instruction, then complete the Worksheet, Practice and Test. These three activities use the same eight-question unit bank.
Teacher resource
AC9M6N06 teacher slide
Use this one-page PDF to introduce the key idea, vocabulary and teaching sequence before students begin the activities.
Open teacher slide (PDF)Common mistakes to watch for
- Rushing to a rule before checking the concrete model, drawing or number sentence.
- Using the correct answer once but not being able to explain why it works.
- Mixing up similar vocabulary such as more/less, before/after, longer/shorter or equal groups/sharing.
International curriculum mapping
This table gives closest-topic mapping for search and planning. The Australian Curriculum code is exact; overseas entries are broad equivalents because each jurisdiction structures outcomes differently.
| Region | Curriculum | Closest mapping |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Australian Curriculum v9.0 | AC9M6N06 — multiply and divide decimals by multiples of powers of 10 without a calculator, applying knowledge of place value and proficiency with multiplication facts; using estimation and rounding to check the reasonableness of answers |
| Victoria | Victorian Curriculum F-10 | Year 6 Maths: closest match in Number. Use this page as a VIC-aligned practice and worksheet reference. |
| NSW | NSW Curriculum | Stage 3 Maths: closest content focus for Multiply and divide decimals by multiples of powers of 10... and related outcomes. |
| United States | Common Core / NGSS | Grade 6 Common Core Mathematics/ELA closest topic match for Multiply and divide decimals by multiples of powers of 10.... |
| England / UK | National Curriculum | Key Stage 2 / Year 6: closest programme-of-study match for Multiply and divide decimals by multiples of powers of 10.... |
| Canada | Provincial and territory curricula | Grade 6 closest topic match. Canada varies by province, so use this as a broad Ontario/BC-style learning outcome reference. |
| New Zealand | New Zealand Curriculum | Level 3 Maths: closest achievement-objective topic for Multiply and divide decimals by multiples of powers of 10.... |
| India | NCERT / CBSE | Class 6 closest NCERT/CBSE topic match for Multiply and divide decimals by multiples of powers of 10.... |