Multiplication and Division of Decimals

Multiplying and dividing decimals extends whole-number computation to the decimal system. 0.125 x 3 = 0.375: each hundredth and each thousandth is tripled. The place value logic is identical to whole-number multiplication; only the decimal point changes. 7.2 / 9 = 0.8: 72 tenths divided by 9 = 8 tenths = 0.8. Students who understand place value can derive any decimal computation rule rather than memorizing a procedure.