What you’ll learn
Multiply decimals.
Key idea
The digit product must be scaled by the combined decimal places of both factors.
The combined place-value scale includes both factors; the area-model inverse must retain side-length units.
Worked example
Enter the exact value or ordered values in the format requested below.
Compute 1.1 × 0.26 exactly. Enter the decimal product.
- The digit product is 11×26=286.
- Account for one plus two decimal places: 0.286.
Answer: 0.286
Quick Check
Evaluate a worked attempt at multiply decimals, identify the first invalid step, and provide the correction.
A student writes Step 1: 12×12=144. Step 2: 1.2×0.12=1.44, using two decimal places. Identify the first invalid step and correct the product.