Step by step
The question
Question: change €120 to pounds, when €1 = £0.85.
€1 = £0.85. Change €120 to pounds.
1 Write the rate
The rate says: 1 euro is worth 0.85 pounds.
€1 = £0.85
From euros to pounds, we multiply by 0.85.
Going back, we divide by 0.85.
euros → pounds: × 0.85
pounds → euros: ÷ 0.85
2 Multiply by the rate
Each euro is worth £0.85.
120 euros are worth 120 times as much.
€120 = 120 × £0.85
120 times 0.85 is £102.
= £102
To multiply decimals: first 120 times 85, as whole numbers.
That is 10200.
Then count the decimal places: 2.
120 × 85 = 10200
2 decimal places: 102
Careful!
Check the direction.
Euros to pounds: we multiply by the rate.
Careful: euros → pounds: × the rate
So €120 is £102.
3 Check
Let's check: change the answer back.
£102 divided by 0.85 is €120.
change it back: £102 ÷ 0.85 = 120
That is what we started with.
So the answer is right!
€120 — what we started with
Let's look back.
First: write the rate.
Then: multiply by the rate.
Last: check.
Answer
Careful: euros → pounds: × the rate