The distributive property is a crucial concept for understanding mathematical operations, especially multiplication. When it comes to multiplying decimals by one-digit whole numbers, using the distributive property can simplify the process and make it easier for students to understand.

Here are some activities you can use to teach your students how to multiply a decimal by a one-digit whole number using the distributive property:

1. The Ice Cream Shop

Create a scenario where students pretend to own an ice cream shop. They need to order ingredients to make their ice cream. Give them a list of ingredients with prices in decimals, and a list of their customers’ orders, which are all one-digit whole numbers. Have them multiply each order with the price of the ingredients using the distributive property.

For example, if a customer orders three ice cream scoops, and each scoop costs $0.75, the student can break it down into 3 x 0.7 = 3 x (0.5 + 0.25) = 3 x 0.5 + 3 x 0.25 = $2.25.

2. The Math Riddle

Create a math riddle that involves multiplying decimals by one-digit whole numbers using the distributive property. Provide students with clues or hints to solve the riddle. For instance, “I am a number less than 10. I can be multiplied by 3.5 and 2.25 using the distributive property. What number am I?”

3. The Calculator Challenge

Give students a set of calculations that involve multiplying decimals by one-digit whole numbers using the distributive property. Ask them to use their calculators to solve the problems, but with a twist. They must enter each number one at a time and must explain what they are doing at each step. This activity helps students become familiar with the process of using the distributive property while also building their calculator skills.

4. The Real-World Problem

Create a real-world problem that requires students to use the distributive property to multiply decimals by a one-digit whole number. For example, “A grocery store is selling strawberries for $2.25 per pound. A customer wants to buy 1.5 pounds of strawberries. How much will the customer have to pay?” Students can use the distributive property to simplify the calculation.

5. The Interactive Whiteboard Game

Use an interactive whiteboard to create a game where students can drag and drop numbers to solve multiplication problems using the distributive property. Make it fun and engaging with sound effects, animations, and challenging scenarios.

In conclusion, teaching students to multiply decimals by one-digit whole numbers using the distributive property can be an enjoyable and engaging process. With these activities, students can master the skill while also having fun and building their problem-solving abilities.