Place values are very important when we add and subtract decimal numbers. They help us line up the numbers correctly and do the math. Here’s how it works:

1. What are Place Values?:

   • Each digit in a decimal number stands for a specific value based on where it is.
   • For example, in the number 3.76:
     • The digit 3 is in the unit place (whole number).
     • The digit 7 is in the tenths place (one-tenth).
     • The digit 6 is in the hundredths place (one-hundredth).

2. Adding Decimals:

   • When we add decimals, we need to line them up by their decimal points.
   • For instance:
     • If we add 3.76 and 1.4, it looks like this:

         3.76
       + 1.40
       ------
         5.16
       

3. Subtracting Decimals:

   • We do the same alignment for subtraction.
   • For example, if we subtract 2.1 from 5.25, it looks like this:

       5.25
     - 2.10
     ------
       3.15
     

4. Why Accuracy Matters:

   • If we don’t line the numbers up correctly, it can cause big mistakes, especially with harder math problems.
   • Even a tiny mistake in the decimal can change the answer by 10% or more!

By understanding these ideas, students can get better at adding and subtracting decimals and improve their math skills!