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Mastering Decimal Multiplication- A Step-by-Step Guide to Multiplying Decimals by Whole Numbers_1

How to Multiply Decimals by a Whole Number

Multiplying decimals by a whole number can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not used to dealing with numbers in this format. However, with a few simple steps and a bit of practice, you’ll be able to multiply decimals by whole numbers with ease. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of multiplying decimals by a whole number, ensuring that you understand each step along the way.

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that multiplying a decimal by a whole number is essentially the same as multiplying the decimal by a number with no decimal places. For instance, multiplying 0.75 by 3 is the same as multiplying 75 by 3 and then dividing the result by 100. This is because a whole number can be thought of as a decimal with no decimal places, such as 3.0.

Now that we have a basic understanding of how to approach the problem, let’s go through the steps involved in multiplying decimals by a whole number:

1. Write down the decimal and the whole number side by side.
2. Multiply the decimal by the whole number as if it were a whole number.
3. Count the total number of decimal places in the original decimal and the whole number.
4. Place the decimal point in the product so that there are as many decimal places as the total number of decimal places from the original numbers.

Let’s take a look at an example to illustrate these steps:

Example: Multiply 0.25 by 8.

1. Write down the decimal and the whole number side by side: 0.25 x 8
2. Multiply the decimal by the whole number as if it were a whole number: 25 x 8 = 200
3. Count the total number of decimal places in the original decimal and the whole number: 0.25 has two decimal places, and 8 has no decimal places.
4. Place the decimal point in the product so that there are as many decimal places as the total number of decimal places from the original numbers: 200 has no decimal places, so the product is 200.

In this example, we multiplied 0.25 by 8 to get 2.00. Notice that we added a decimal point and a zero to the end of the product to ensure that there were two decimal places, just like in the original decimal.

By following these steps, you should be able to multiply decimals by whole numbers with confidence. Remember to practice with different numbers and decimal places to become more comfortable with the process. Before long, multiplying decimals by whole numbers will be second nature to you!

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