You have to line up the decimal when adding but not when multiplying.
Example:
This one is adding
23.56+89.45
23.56
89.45
This one is multiplying
23.54*4.506
23.54
4.506
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That is because if you don't, you will get the wrong answer. It is ALWAYS important to LINE up the decimals.
When adding decimal numbers, the decimal points should be lined-up.
This is true for adding and subtracting ALL numbers, not just decimal representations.
Line up the decimal points in a vertical column. Then add the numbers while ignoring the decimal point. Finally, put a decimal point in the answer in the same column as for the summands.
you have to line up the decimal points because you need to keep each place value in the same column so when you add or subtract you wont make any errors