Power of Ten Plunge

Worksheet Description

This worksheet provides a set of problems focused on dividing numbers by positive powers of ten. Each problem presents a straightforward division operation where students must divide a base number by 10 raised to a positive exponent. The tasks increase in difficulty as the exponent increases, challenging students to understand the effect of the division on the base number. It’s a drill to help them become comfortable with moving the decimal point, which is crucial when working with different magnitudes of numbers.

The worksheet educates students on the concept that dividing by a power of ten essentially moves the decimal point to the left by the number of places equal to the exponent. Through repetition and progression of difficulty, the students are encouraged to recognize patterns in the powers of ten and how they scale numbers up or down. It is an exercise that not only enhances their computational skills but also prepares them for understanding scientific notation and orders of magnitude. This foundational skill is vital for future math success, particularly in sciences and finance where large numbers are commonly expressed in powers of ten.