1. The problem is to multiply decimal numbers and place the decimal point correctly in the product. 2. The formula for multiplication of decimals is the same as for whole numbers, but after multiplying, count the total number of decimal places in both factors and place the decimal point in the product accordingly. 3. For example, for $12.8 \times 9.6$: - Multiply as whole numbers: $128 \times 96 = 12288$ - Count decimal places: $12.8$ has 1 decimal place, $9.6$ has 1 decimal place, total 2 decimal places. - Place decimal point 2 places from the right: $122.88$ 4. Now, multiply $12.8 \times 9.6$ vertically: \begin{array}{r} \phantom{0}12.8 \\ \times \phantom{0}9.6 \\ \hline \phantom{0}768 \\ % 12.8 * 6 1152\phantom{0} \\ % 12.8 * 9 (shifted one place) \hline 12288 \end{array} 5. Place decimal point 2 places from right: $122.88$ 6. Final answer: $12.8 \times 9.6 = 122.88$ This method applies similarly to all decimal multiplications. Answer: $122.88$