Multiplying and dividing decimals, step by step
Multiplying and dividing decimals extends the whole-number algorithms a child already owns.
The question
1.2 ÷ 4
1.2÷4
1.2÷4=0.3
0.3×4=1.2
- The number you are dividing by is already whole, so there is nothing to move: divide as usual and the point in the answer comes straight down.
- Now divide: 1.2 ÷ 4 = 0.3.
- Check it the other way round: 0.3 × 4 should give 1.2 back. A point in the wrong place fails this instantly — 1.2 and a tenth of it are not close.
How it works.
- 01
The number you are dividing by is already whole, so there is nothing to move: divide as usual and the point in the answer comes straight down.
- 02
Now divide: 1.2 ÷ 4 = 0.3.
- 03
Check it the other way round: 0.3 × 4 should give 1.2 back. A point in the wrong place fails this instantly — 1.2 and a tenth of it are not close.