Multiplying Decimals
🎬 Video Tutorial
How to Multiply Decimals? (Step-by-Step Example) (0:01)
Multiplying decimals is similar to multiplying whole numbers, but you must adjust for the decimal places at the end.
Example: Multiply 0.34 × 2.5=?
- Ignore the Decimal Points
- Treat the numbers as whole numbers and multiply normally: 34 × 25 = 850
- Count the Total Decimal Places
- 0.34 has 2 decimal places
- 2.5 has 1 decimal place
- Total decimal places = 2 + 1 = 3
- Place the Decimal Point Correctly
- Take the whole number result (850)
- Move the decimal point 3 places to the left
- Final Answer: 0.850 (or simply 0.85)
Multiplying Decimals (Calculating Area Example) (1:04)
Multiplying decimals is useful in everyday situations, like finding the area of a rectangle with decimal measurements.
Example: Multiply 5.5 m × 2.6 m = ?
- Ignore the Decimal Points
- Treat the numbers as whole numbers and multiply normally: 55 × 26 = 1430
- Count the Total Decimal Places
- 5.5 has 1 decimal place
- 2.6 has 1 decimal place
- Total decimal places = 1 + 1 = 2
- Place the Decimal Point Correctly
- Start with the whole number result (1430)
- Move the decimal point 2 places to the left
- Final Answer: 14.30 m² (or simply 14.3 m²)
Multiplying Decimals in Real-Life Applications (2:05)
Multiplying decimals is useful in real-world situations. For example, if a taxi ride costs £6.5 per km and you travel 8.12 km, you can find the total fare by multiplying decimals.
Example: £6.5/km × 8.12 km = ?
- Ignore the Decimal Points
- Multiply as whole numbers: 65 × 812 = 52,780
- Count the Total Decimal Places
- 6.5 has 1 decimal place
- 8.12 has 2 decimal places
- Total decimal places = 1 + 2 = 3
- Place the Decimal Point Correctly
- Start with the whole number result (52,780).
- Move the decimal point 3 places to the left.
- Final Answer: £52.780 (or simply £52.78).
Multiplying decimals is essential in financial calculations, measurements, and scientific applications.
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