Multiplying Decimals

You must follow the steps!

Multiplying

• Step 1: Ignore the decimals and multiply as if the decimals were whole numbers.

• Step 2: Look at the factors in the original problem.

• Step 3: Starting at the very right, count back to the decimal point in each factor.

• Step 4: In the product, start at the very right, move back the total number of places you counted in step 3.

3 x 0.6 • Ignore the decimal

3 x 6 = 18 • COUNT: 3 has nothing to

the right of the decimal (0)• COUNT: 0.6 has one place

counting from the right to the decimal point(1)

• MOVE: In the product, move the decimal 1 place from right to left

• 3 x 0.6 = 1.8

0.3 x 0.6 • Ignore the decimal

3 x 6 = 18• COUNT: 0.3 has 1 place

counting from right to left to the decimal point (1)

• COUNT: 0.6 has 1 place counting from right to left to the decimal point (1)

• MOVE: In the product, move the decimal point 2 places from right to left

• 0.3 x 0.6 = 0.18

Examples

Now you try

5 x 0.4 0.5 x 0.4

Try these – remember, always start the very right of the number and count to the left! (right to left)

0.5 x 0.04 0.05 x 0.004