Year 8: Multiply decimal numbers

What are decimal numbers?

Decimal numbers are numbers that include a decimal point (.). The part before the decimal point is called the whole number part, and the part after the decimal point is called the decimal part or tenths, hundredths, etc.

Steps to Multiply Decimal Numbers

1. Step 1: Remove the decimal points. Treat the numbers as whole numbers only.
2. Step 2: Multiply the whole numbers as you normally would.
3. Step 3: Count the total number of decimal places in the original numbers.
4. Step 4: Place the decimal point in the answer so that it's aligned with the decimal points in the original numbers.

Example

Multiply 2.5 x 3.2

1. Remove decimal points: 25 x 32
2. Multiply: 25 x 32 = 800
3. Count decimal places: Both original numbers have 2 decimal places.
4. Place decimal point: The answer is 8.00