The Zero Magic Trick
Did you know multiplying numbers with zeros at the end is easier than regular multiplication?
When numbers end with zeros, we can use a special trick to make the calculation super fast! Here's how it works:
The 3 Simple Steps
1️⃣ Count the zeros at the end of both numbers
2️⃣ Multiply the numbers without the zeros
3️⃣ Add all the zeros back to your answer
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: 30 × 50
Step 1: Count the zeros → 30 has 1 zero, 50 has 1 zero (total 2 zeros)
Step 2: Multiply without zeros → 3 × 5 = 15
Step 3: Add the zeros back → 15 + 00 = 1,500
Click to see the full calculation
30 × 50 = (3 × 10) × (5 × 10) = (3 × 5) × (10 × 10) = 15 × 100 = 1,500
Example 2: 200 × 60
Step 1: Count the zeros → 200 has 2 zeros, 60 has 1 zero (total 3 zeros)
Step 2: Multiply without zeros → 2 × 6 = 12
Step 3: Add the zeros back → 12 + 000 = 12,000
Click to see why this works
200 × 60 = (2 × 100) × (6 × 10) = (2 × 6) × (100 × 10) = 12 × 1,000 = 12,000
Imagine 200 pencils in each box and you have 60 boxes. That's 12,000 pencils!
Parent Tips 🌟
- Real-world practice: Have your child calculate totals when items come in multiples of 10 (like packs of 20 markers or boxes of 100 paperclips).
- Zero hunt game: Make it fun by searching for numbers ending with zeros in grocery store prices or street signs.
- Visual aid: Use graph paper to show how 30 × 50 makes a rectangle with area 1,500 squares.