5th Grade · Number & Operations in Base Ten

Multiply Decimals

5.NBT.B.7

Definition

To find the product by multiplying digits as whole numbers, then placing the decimal by counting decimal places.

Examples

  • 0.4 x 0.3 = 0.12 (1 + 1 = 2 decimal places).
  • 1.2 x 0.5 = 0.60.

Key rule

Multiply as whole numbers, then count the total decimal places for the product.

Memory hook

Multiply first, place the decimal last.