Add and subtract decimals
key notes:
Addition of Decimals
As we know numbers can be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided. However, all these type of operations can be easily performed on natural numbers. In case of decimals, addition can be done in a specific way. The addition of decimals involves several steps.
How to Add Decimals?
Addition of decimals is performed using the following steps:
Step 1: The numbers are first padded with zero depending upon the maximum digits present after the decimal for any of the numbers.
For example, while adding 3.456 to 7.1, since the number 3.456 has the number of digits after the decimal, the padding is done according to 3.456. Since 3.456 has 3 digits after the decimal, we pad two zeros after 1. So, 7.1 to three places is 7.100.
Step 2: The numbers are lined up vertically along with each other as given in the below figure.
Step 3: Finally, add the decimal numbers similar to integers and place the decimal point accordingly.
Examples of Decimal Addition.
Subtraction of decimals
Subtraction of decimals involves the subtraction of the decimal number with a small whole number part from the decimal number with a greater whole number part. However, we need to follow certain rules while performing the subtraction on decimals.
How to Subtract Decimals?
Subtraction of decimals is performed using the following steps:
Step 1: The numbers are first padded with zero depending upon the maximum digits present after the decimal for any of the numbers.
For example, while subtracting 3.456 from 7.1, since the number 3.456 has more digits after the decimal, the padding is done according to 3.456. Since 3.456 has 3 digits after the decimal, we pad 7.1 to three places as 7.100.
Step 2: The numbers are lined up vertically along with each other as shown below.
Step 3: Finally, subtract the decimal numbers similar to integers and place the decimal point accordingly.
Examples of Decimal Subtraction
Learn with an example
🔔 Add.
0.6 + 0.6 = ___ . ___
Remember to line up the decimal points.
0.6 + 0.6 = ?
Add as you would add whole numbers. Remember to write the decimal point in the answer.
0.6 + 0.6 = 1.2
The sum is 1.2.
🔔 Add.
6.71 + 5.47 = ___ . ___
Remember to line up the decimal points.
6.71 + 5.47 = ?
Add as you would add whole numbers. Remember to write the decimal point in the answer.
The sum is 12.18.
Add.
- 1.6
- 1.4
- 1.3
- 2
Remember to line up the decimal points.
Add as you would add whole numbers. Remember to write the decimal point in the answer.
The sum is 1.6.
Let’s practice!
