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Decimals – Help With Subtracting Decimals TutorGiant They key to subtracting decimals is to line up the decimal points and places! Students must first have a thorough understanding of decimal place value (i.e. tenths, hundredths, thousandths, etc). When subtracting decimals, students must remember to: · Line up the decimal points in the exact same position, one right above the other. · Make sure to line up the decimal place (i.e. the tenths digit in one decimal number with the tenths digit in the other decimal number and the hundredths, thousandths, etc). 1) For example, let’s subtract 0.64 and 0.32. The first thing we must do is line up the decimal points. 0.64 - 0.32 Notice how the decimal points are in the exact same position. 0.64 - 0.32 Then, we simply subtract. 0.32 2) When subtracting decimals, students often get confused when subtracting decimals and whole numbers. For example, let’s subtract 3.75 and 0.41. 3.75 - 0.41 Notice how the decimal points are lined up again! Quite often, students line up the zeros. 3.75 - 0.41 Again, we simply subtract the decimals, making sure the decimal is in the 3.34 correct place in the answer. 3) Finally, sometimes decimal numbers do not appear to be the same length. For example, in problem 9.82 - 0.3, we notice that in the first number, we have 3 digits and in the second number, we have 2 digits. When we subtract them, they should look like this: 9.82 + 0.3 This may look incorrect, but it isn’t. We perfectly lined up the decimals! 9.82 + 0.3 Again, we simply subtract, making sure the decimal is lined up in the answer. 9.52 Regardless of the number of digits in the decimal number, it is important that students remember to line up the decimals in the question and answer when subtracting decimals. ©Tutorgiant.com
Tutorgiant.com provides complete Decimal lessons with worksheets. See some of the lessons in our video library. Now Available! Learn'Em Good - Fractions and Decimals - by Stuart Ackerman MSc.Ed.,B.A. Easy to Use Lessons and Worksheets to Help Improve Your Grade 1-8 Child's Fraction and Decimal Skills |
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