1. **State the problem:** Multiply 1.25 by 32. 2. **Recall the multiplication rule:** To multiply decimals, multiply as if they were whole numbers, then place the decimal point in the product. 3. **Multiply the numbers ignoring the decimal:** $$125 \times 32 = 4000$$ 4. **Count decimal places:** 1.25 has two decimal places. 5. **Place the decimal point:** Move the decimal two places from the right in 4000: $$40.00$$ 6. **Final answer:** $$1.25 \times 32 = 40$$