Powers of 10 Practice Problems

These 10 worksheets require the multiplication of decimals and using powers of ten and exponents. This type of activity can be done easily on a calculator. However, students should be able to understand the concept in order to know how to key the exercises into a calculator. This type of concept is a pre-algebraic concept required usually by the seventh or eighth grade. Once students are comfortable with powers of ten calculations (10² = 100, or 10³ =1000 and so on and so forth). Once a student understands the number of the power or scientific notation, they continue on with the rest of the calculation.

You might wonder how many questions need to be done before a student understands the concept. This is a tricky question because, as the concept is being taught, it may appear the student has a strong grasp of it. However, if you come back to that concept six months later, the concept may be forgotten. If you provide a variety of question types while varying the numbers and look for accuracy and fluency. Once few errors are being made over the course of an acceptable amount of time, consider the student in the know!