Explain how multiplying a whole number and a decimal is similar the and different from multiplying whole numbers

Multiplying a whole number and a decimal is similar to multiplying whole numbers because that, when you ignore the decimals at the beginning of the problem, (the first step,) you multiply straight, from right to left. They are different because that when you finish multiplying whole numbers, you're done! But when you multiply decimals, you have to move the decimal to the right place.

Move the decimal behind it