When multiplying decimals, you need to place the decimal point in the product based on the total number of decimal places in the numbers being multiplied. Here’s how to do it:
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Count the Total Decimal Places: Count how many decimal places are in both of the numbers you are multiplying. This means counting how many digits are to the right of the decimal point in each number.
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Perform the Multiplication: Multiply the two numbers as if they were whole numbers, ignoring the decimal points initially.
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Place the Decimal Point: After finding the product, place the decimal point in the result. The decimal point should be placed so that the total number of decimal places in the product equals the total number of decimal places you counted in step 1.
Example:
- If you multiply 2.5 (which has 1 decimal place) and 3.6 (which has 1 decimal place), the total number of decimal places is 1 + 1 = 2.
- Now multiply 25 (ignoring the decimals) by 36, which equals 900.
- Since you need a total of 2 decimal places in the product, you place the decimal point two places from the right, giving you 9.00 or simply 9.
So, the product of 2.5 and 3.6 is 9.00 or 9.
Always remember: the number of decimal places in your final answer should match the total number of decimal places from the original numbers you multiplied!