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30 Dec 2025

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2 pages

Master Multiplying Decimals: Step-by-Step Guide

That Idiot

@.that_idiot

Multiplying decimals might look tricky at first, but it's actually... Show more

# Multiplying decimals

Multiplying decimals works the same way as multiplying
whole numbers.

When multiplying decimals, add up the number

The Basic Rule for Multiplying Decimals

Here's the secret that makes decimal multiplication easy: multiply the numbers as if they were whole numbers first, then worry about where to put the decimal point. It's that simple!

The key rule is this - count up all the decimal places in your question (the digits after the decimal points). Your answer must have exactly the same number of decimal places.

For example, if you're calculating 3.2 × 6, there's one decimal place in total (just the .2), so your answer 19.2 needs one decimal place too. When you see 4.2 × 2.8, that's two decimal places altogether, giving you 11.76 with two decimal places.

Quick Tip: Always do the multiplication first, then count decimal places - don't try to keep track of the decimal point whilst multiplying!

Let's try 3.72 × 2.3. First, calculate 372 × 23 = 8556. Now count the decimal places: 3.72 has two, 2.3 has one, so three total. Place your decimal point to give three decimal places: 8.556.

Working Through Practice Problems

Let's tackle 5.2 × 8 step by step. Start by ignoring the decimal completely and work out 52 × 8 = 416.

Now for the decimal placement - count those decimal places in your original question. There's just one (the .2 in 5.2), so your final answer needs exactly one decimal place too.

Pop that decimal point in the right spot and you get 41.6. See how straightforward it becomes once you break it down?

Don't Forget: Even if your answer ends with zeros after the decimal point, those zeros still count as decimal places - include them in your final answer!

The beauty of this method is that it works every single time, no matter how many decimal places you're dealing with. Master this technique and decimal multiplication becomes as easy as regular multiplication.

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339

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30 Dec 2025

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2 pages

Master Multiplying Decimals: Step-by-Step Guide

That Idiot

@.that_idiot

Multiplying decimals might look tricky at first, but it's actually just like multiplying whole numbers with one extra step. Once you learn the simple rule about counting decimal places, you'll be solving these problems with confidence in no time.

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The Basic Rule for Multiplying Decimals

Here's the secret that makes decimal multiplication easy: multiply the numbers as if they were whole numbers first, then worry about where to put the decimal point. It's that simple!

The key rule is this - count up all the decimal places in your question (the digits after the decimal points). Your answer must have exactly the same number of decimal places.

Quick Tip: Always do the multiplication first, then count decimal places - don't try to keep track of the decimal point whilst multiplying!

Let's try 3.72 × 2.3. First, calculate 372 × 23 = 8556. Now count the decimal places: 3.72 has two, 2.3 has one, so three total. Place your decimal point to give three decimal places: 8.556.

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Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Working Through Practice Problems

Let's tackle 5.2 × 8 step by step. Start by ignoring the decimal completely and work out 52 × 8 = 416.

Now for the decimal placement - count those decimal places in your original question. There's just one (the .2 in 5.2), so your final answer needs exactly one decimal place too.

Pop that decimal point in the right spot and you get 41.6. See how straightforward it becomes once you break it down?

Don't Forget: Even if your answer ends with zeros after the decimal point, those zeros still count as decimal places - include them in your final answer!