Multiplying and dividing decimals means doing multiplication and division of decimal numbers. This can be achieved by doing normal multiplication and then placing decimal points.
Multiplying and dividing decimals: Multiplying decimals
![Multiplying and dividing decimals - multiplication](https://hackonmath.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/multiplication-1-300x169.webp)
To do the multiplication follow just three steps.
- Do normal multiplication without decimal points
- Count the number of digits after decimal points
- Apply this count to the product and place the decimal point moving from left to right.
Say for example,
![Multiplying and dividing decimals - decimal multiplication](https://hackonmath.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/hackonmath-multiplication-nos-300x231.webp)
Step 1: Multiplying without decimals, 203 x 1 = 203
step2: The number of digits after the decimal point in 20.3 is 1 and in 0.1 is 1. Total number of digits after decimal point = 1+1= 2
step 3: Place the decimal point before two digits counting from right to left which becomes 2.03
If you consider another example of multiplication 0.01 x 0.01.
since there are 2 decimal digit in the first factor (0.01) and 2 decimal digit in the second factor (0.01)—for a total of four decimal digits—your result must contain four decimal digits. 1 x 1 = 1 and 0.01 x 0.01 = 0.0001
How do decimals move when you divide the number?
![](https://hackonmath.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/hackonmath-division-basics-300x169.webp)
The above figure explains that a is called the dividend, b is the divisor and c is the Quotient
Two steps that need to be followed to get the division correct
![Division of decimal point rules](https://hackonmath.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/hackonmath-division-rules-300x169.webp)
Do the normal division as you do but when you take down the number after the decimal, you should put the decimal point in the quotient.
![hackonmath - division of decimal numbers](https://hackonmath.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/division-decimal-numbers-257x300.webp)
In the above example, 24/12 gives 2 so write 2 in the quotient
now 6 which is taken down is written after the decimal point in the dividend so put the decimal point after 2 in the quotient and continue the division ahead.
If the above method seems confusing you can write 24.60 as 2460 x 10-2 and then divide 2460/12 and multiply the quotient with 10-2. This should give you the same result
Pingback: Adding and Subtracting decimals - Math Hacks
Pingback: Commutative Property - Math Hacks
Pingback: 3 Techniques to Improve Commutative Property - ClusterBooks - The Books Marketplace
Pingback: Dividing Polynomials 4 Easy Ways To Remember - Math Hacks