Consider multiplying 26.2 by 16.43 what would a mathematician say the answer is

In mathematics multiplying decimals is just like multiplying a whole number and ignoring the decimals., then just put the decimals in the answer – it is how many decimals does the two numbers combined.

First step:

Line the numbers on the right and do not a line the decimal points

      26.2

×  16.43

Second Step:

Multiply the numbers starting on the right, just like multiplying a whole number and ignore the decimals.

       26.2

 ×  16.43

         786

     1048

   1572

+ 262  

   430466

Third step: add the products

        26.2

 ×  16.43

         786

     1048

   1572

+ 262  

   430.466 is the mathematician’s answer.