1. The problem is to multiply 2.6 by 3.8. 2. Multiplication of decimals involves multiplying the numbers as if they were whole numbers, then placing the decimal point in the product. 3. Multiply 26 by 38 (ignoring decimals): $$26 \times 38 = 988$$ 4. Count the total decimal places in the factors: 2.6 has 1 decimal place, 3.8 has 1 decimal place, so total is 2 decimal places. 5. Place the decimal point in 988 to have 2 decimal places: $$9.88$$ 6. Therefore, $$2.6 \times 3.8 = 9.88$$