How do I multiply decimal numbers?

Start by multiplying the two numbers as though they didn't have a decimal point (e.g. 2.73.6 becomes 2736 = 972). Now add up how many decimal places were in the original two numbers (e.g. 2.7 and 3.6 have 2 decimal places, 3.45 and 9.2 have 3 decimal places) and give your answer that number of decimal places (e.g. since 2.7 and 3.6 have 2 decimal places, 2.73.6 will have 2 decimal places. Calculate 2736 = 972, then give it 2 decimal places to get 2.7*3.6 = 9.72).

Remember that, in this situation, zeroes should be counted as decimal places. For example: 1.024.05. Calculate 102405 = 41,310. Now notice that 1.02 and 4.05 have 4 decimal places. Therefore, give 41,310 4 decimal places to find that 1.02*4.05 = 4.1310.

Step by step this is layed out as:

1) Multiply without decimal points.

2) Count the number of decimal places in the 2 numbers you're multiplying.

3) Give your answer to part (1) the number of decimal places from part (2).

SG
Answered by Seb G. Maths tutor

4744 Views

See similar Maths 11 Plus tutors

Related Maths 11 Plus answers

All answers ▸

A group of 120 Year 4s and Year 5s are going on a school trip. 60% of the children going on the trip are Year 4s, and of the Years 4s, 1/4 are boys. How many Year 4 girls are going on the trip?


Which of these numbers is the smallest? 0.8, 8.8, 0.88, 88.0, 8.08.


An Island on a map is measured to be 4cm across. The scale of the map is 4cm to 500m. How long is the island in km?


Solve simultaneous equations 3x+2y=9 5x-2y=7


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning