JENECONKMaths Universe

Multiplying Decimals

Ages 9–13

Difficulty adapts to you

Multiplying Decimals

Multiply decimals as if they were whole numbers, then count the total decimal places in both numbers and put the point in the answer.

Your goals

  • ✓You can multiply decimal numbers.
  • ✓You can use decimal place, product correctly.
  • ✓You can estimate the size of the product before placing the decimal point.

Words to know

decimal place:
A position to the right of the decimal point.
product:
The result of multiplication.

Examples

  • 10.3 × 0.2 = 0.06 (1 place + 1 place = 2 places)
  • 21.2 × 3 = 3.6 (1 place + 0 places = 1 place)

Check these

  • • Do not assume multiplication always makes a positive number larger.
  • • Keep every number, symbol, label, and unit in its correct place.
  • • Show enough working to check how you reached your answer.

Helpful habits

  • • Read the whole question before choosing what to do.
  • • Show one clear step at a time and check each step.
  • • If you are stuck, draw a model, try smaller numbers, or revisit the example.

Now try your own

Create your own multiplying decimals example, solve it, and explain how you checked it.

Byte

Byte

Helpful Hints

“Double-check your work before moving on.”