Final answer:
When multiplying decimal numbers, we count the total number of decimal places in the factors and place the decimal point in the product after that many places. When multiplying whole numbers, we simply multiply the numbers together.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this problem, .03 x .04 represents a multiplication of two decimal numbers, while 3 x 4 represents a multiplication of two whole numbers. When multiplying decimal numbers, we count the total number of decimal places in the factors and place the decimal point in the product after that many places. In this case, .03 x .04 is equal to .0012. On the other hand, when multiplying whole numbers, we simply multiply the numbers together. Therefore, 3 x 4 equals 12.
Learn more about multiplication of decimal and whole numbers