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How to Multiply Decimals With Exponents

A decimal represents a fractional part of a whole number using a multiple of 10. Numbers containing decimals often express a more precise measurement in comparison to regular whole numbers. An exponent is a number that indicates a certain number of times that a value is to be multiplied by itself. You multiply decimals possessing exponents the same way that you multiply whole numbers with exponents.

Instructions

    • 1

      Write the decimal or enter it into your calculator.

    • 2

      Write a multiplication problem in which you multiply the decimal times itself the number of times indicated by the exponent, or you can enter the "*" or "x" symbol on your calculator followed by the decimal number again. For example, if you have 0.525^2, you would set up the multiplication problem 0.525 x 0.525.

    • 3

      Press the equal key (=) on your calculator or multiply the two decimal values by hand to find your answer. In this example, if you multiply 0.525 times 0.525, you will get the answer 0.275625.

    • 4

      Multiply series of decimals that possess like bases by retaining the base and adding the exponents. For example, if you have 0.525^3 x 0.525^2 x 0.525^2, your answer could be simplified to 0.525^7 (since the exponents equal 7 when added together). If you want the exact answer for this once you've added the exponents, you can use a calculator with an exponent function that reads "x^y." You would enter "0.525," then "x^y," "7" and the "=" sign to view the answer. You could multiply this by hand, but it would take a bit of time and effort. You also can use online exponent calculators (see Resources). The final answer to this particular example would be 0.010993.

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