To subtract decimals correctly, try these simple steps:
Line Up the Decimal Points: Make sure the decimal points are stacked on top of each other. For example, if you want to subtract from , it looks like this:
Add Zeros if Needed: Sometimes, you might need to add zeros so both numbers have the same number of digits after the decimal. For example, think of as just .
Subtract One Column at a Time: Start from the right side and work your way left. If you need to borrow a number, you can do that. Here’s how it works with our example:
Check Your Answer: Always check your work! Add the answer back to the smaller number to see if you get the original larger number.
By following these steps each time, you can subtract decimals easily!
To subtract decimals correctly, try these simple steps:
Line Up the Decimal Points: Make sure the decimal points are stacked on top of each other. For example, if you want to subtract from , it looks like this:
Add Zeros if Needed: Sometimes, you might need to add zeros so both numbers have the same number of digits after the decimal. For example, think of as just .
Subtract One Column at a Time: Start from the right side and work your way left. If you need to borrow a number, you can do that. Here’s how it works with our example:
Check Your Answer: Always check your work! Add the answer back to the smaller number to see if you get the original larger number.
By following these steps each time, you can subtract decimals easily!