Multiplication of Decimals

When a decimal is multiplied by any real number, then the position of the decimal point (.) changes.

For example: 0.33 x 2= 0.33 + 0.33 + 0.33. Multiplication of decimal numbers is similar to the multiplication of whole numbers. Steps for multiplication of decimals are given below with an example.

Consider multiplication of two numbers, 2.32 and 3 for example.

Step 1: Take the count of the total number of places (digits) to the right of the decimal point in both numbers.

Here, in 2.32 there are two digits to the right of the decimal point and 3 is a whole number with no decimal point. Therefore, the total number of digits to the right of the decimal is 2.

Step 2: Now forget about the decimal point and just multiply the numbers without the decimal point.

Step 3: After multiplication, put the decimal point in answer 2 places (step 1) from the right i.e. answer (2.32 x 3) will be 6.96.

Simply, just multiply the decimal numbers without decimal points and then give decimal point in the answer as many places same as the total number of places right to the decimal points in both numbers.