When multiplying money, always put the larger number (the number with more digits) on top, and the smaller number (the number with less digits) on the bottom.
Ignore the decimal point and multiply the numbers as we do with the whole numbers.
Count how many total digits are on the right side of the decimal points in the numbers we are multiplying.
Place the decimal point in the answer by starting at the right and moving a number of places equal to the sum of the decimal places in both numbers multiplied.

Let's go through few examples to understand better.

Example 1

$38.52 x 8

Ignore the decimal point and start by multiplying 3852 and 8.

Mult1

Now, count the number of digits to the right of the decimal point of both the numbers.

$38.52 has two decimal places, while 8 has none. So, we have 2 decimal places in all .

Place the decimal point in the answer by starting at the right and moving 2 places to the right.

Mult2

$38.52 x 8 = $308.16

Example 2

It costs $1.35 for a slice of pizza, and Brandon wants to buy 5 slices for himself and his friend. How much will this cost?

Ignore the decimal point and start by multiplying 135 and 5.

Mult3

Now, count the number of digits to the right of the decimal point of both the numbers.

$1.35 has two decimal places, while 5 has none. So, we have 2 decimal places in all .

Place the decimal point in the answer by starting at the right and moving 2 places to the right.

Mult4

So, the total cost of 5 slices of pizza is $6.75

Veronica makes $9.85 an hour at her new job. If she works 12 hours this week, how much money will she earn?

Ignore the decimal point and start by multiplying 985 and 12.

Mult5

Now, count the number of digits to the right of the decimal point of both the numbers.

$9.85 has two decimal places, while 12 has none. So, we have 2 decimal places in all .

Place the decimal point in the answer by starting at the right and moving 2 places to the right.

Mult6

So, Veronica earns $118.20 this week.

Summary

Multiplying money is same as the multiplying whole numbers.
Follow these steps to multiply money:
- When multiplying money, always put the larger number (the number with more digits) on top, and the smaller number (the number with less digits) on the bottom.
- Ignore the decimal point and multiply the numbers as we do with the whole numbers.
- Count how many total digits are on the right side of the decimal points in the numbers we are multiplying.
- Place the decimal point in the answer by starting at the right and moving a number of places equal to the sum of the decimal places in both numbers multiplied.