Multiplying Decimals

To Multiply:
You do not line up the factors by the decimal.
Instead, place the number with more digits on
top.
Line up the other number underneath, at the right.
Multiply
Count the number of decimal places (from the
right) in each factor.
Use the total number of decimal places in your
two factors to place the decimal in your product.

Example: 5.63 x 3.7

1
4 2

5.63
x 37
39 4 1
+ 168 9 0
20.8 31
.

two
one

three

Example: 0.53 x 2.618

2.618 has more digits (4) than 0.53 (3), so it goes on top.

3
1

4
2

2 618
x 0 53
7 854
130 900
+ 000 000
1.38 754
.

Decimal Places
three
two

five

Try This: 6.5 x 15.3

3 1
2 1

15.3
x 6.5
76 5
+ 918 0
9 9.4 5

one
one

two

Multiplication Properties
Commutative Property of Multiplication: Factors can be multiplied
in any order.
Example: 12 x 5 = 5 x 12
Associative Property of Multiplication: Factors can be grouped in
any way.
Example: (2 x 3) x 5 = 2 x (3 x 5)
Identity Property of Multiplication: The product of any number and
one is that number.
Example: 18 x 1 = 18

Work Time