Similarities and Differences between Multiplying whole numbers and Decimals

Students compare and contrast by multiplying two sets of whole numbers and decimals by writing the problem solving steps based on the place value, such as the following steps:

for whole numbers,

(1) multiply ones place (second row digit) by ones place (first row digit);

(2) multiply ones place (second row digit) by tens place (first row digit), and

(3) multiply ones place (second row digit) by hundreds place (first row digit)

(4) multiply tens place (second row digit) by ones place (first row digit)

(5) multiply tens place (second row digit by tens place (first row digit)

(6) multiply tens place (second row digit) by hundreds place (first row digit)

(7) place a comma between the hundreds and thousands place vlaue

for decimals,

(1) multiply ones place (second row digit) by hundredths place (first row digit)

(2) multiply ones place (second row digit) by tenths place (first row digit)

(3) multiply ones place (second row digit) by ones place (firs row digit)

(4) multiply tens place (second row digit) by hundredths place (first row digit)

(5) multiply tens place (second row digit) by tenths place (first row digit)

(6) multiply tens place (second row digit) by ones place (first row digit)

(7) place a decimal point in the product, indicating the hundredths place value

After identifying the similarities and differences, students relate the strategy to a written method by identifying a topic sentence, a few key ideas and details with transitional words, and a conclusion.