Virginia SOL 5.CE.3.b.iii
The Standard
Estimate and determine the product of two numbers using strategies and algorithms, including the standard algorithm, when given: a two-digit factor and a two-digit factor (e.g., 0.85 × 3.7, 14 × 1.6, 9.2 × 3.5).*
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will estimate, represent, solve, and justify solutions to single-step and multistep problems, including those in context, using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with decimal numbers.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students estimate a product before calculating it. They use place value, partial products, or the standard algorithm, then justify the decimal placement and check whether the answer is reasonable.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can accurately solve problems such as 0.64 × 2.8 or 17 × 1.4 and show a valid method. The student uses an estimate to catch calculation or decimal placement errors.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may line up decimal points as they do in addition instead of aligning the factors by their rightmost digits. They may count decimal places from only one factor. Some assume multiplying by any decimal makes a number smaller.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Estimate and solve 7.4 × 2.6 using the standard algorithm, then explain how the estimate checks the decimal placement.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Use decimal grid paper to build a 1.4 by 2.3 area model, partition it by place value, and label each partial product.
Have students write why 6.8 × 4.2 should be near 28 and how that estimate helps place the decimal.
Play Product Match with cards showing problems, estimates, and exact products; students race to assemble correct three-card sets.
Calculate the cost of 3.5 pounds of fruit at $9.20 per pound, estimate first, and explain whether the answer is reasonable.
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Printable 5.CE.3.b.iii Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 5.CE.3.b.ii
a three-digit factor and a one-digit factor (e.g., 0.156 × 4, 3.28 × 7, 8.09 × 0.2);* and
- 4.CE.2.i
Apply strategies (e.g., rounding, compatible numbers, place value) and algorithms, including the standard algorithm, to estimate and determine the quotient of t...
- 5.CE.3.b.i
a two-digit factor and a one-digit factor (e.g., 2.3 × 4; 0.08 × 0.9; .16 × 5);*
- 5.CE.3.c
Estimate and determine the quotient of two numbers using strategies and algorithms, including the standard algorithm, in which:*
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