1. **Stating the problem:** We want to learn how to multiply decimals, which means multiplying numbers that have digits after the decimal point. 2. **Formula and rules:** When multiplying decimals, multiply the numbers as if they were whole numbers (ignore the decimal points). 3. **Important rule:** After multiplying, count the total number of decimal places in both numbers. The product must have the same total number of decimal places. 4. **Example:** Multiply $1.2$ and $0.3$. 5. Multiply as whole numbers: $12 \times 3 = 36$. 6. Count decimal places: $1.2$ has 1 decimal place, $0.3$ has 1 decimal place, total $1 + 1 = 2$ decimal places. 7. Place the decimal point in the product: $36$ becomes $0.36$ because we need 2 decimal places. 8. **Answer:** $1.2 \times 0.3 = 0.36$. This method works for any decimals: multiply as whole numbers, then place the decimal point in the answer by counting total decimal places from both numbers.