How to Add and Subtract Decimal Numbers?

1) Align the decimal points vertically before adding or subtracting any decimals. Any necessary zeros should be entered.

2) Treat the integers as whole numbers when adding or subtracting them.

3) Align the decimal point with the numbers being added or subtracted so that it sits vertically above the sum or difference.

Add 0.56 + 9 + 6.287 as an example.

Decimal points should be vertically aligned and filled in with zeros as illustrated to add decimals:

0.560\s 9.000\s + 6.287\s 15.847 The decimal point should be positioned in the sum so that it is vertically aligned.

Example 2: Deduct 6 from 1.859.

Place 0s where indicated and align the decimal points vertically to subtract decimals. Keep in mind to borrow when required.

It’s important to line up the decimal points correctly when adding or subtracting decimal numbers. This helps you keep track of the place value of each digit, which is important because each place value represents a different power of 10.

For example, in the number 2.3, the 2 is in the one place and the 3 is in the tenth place. In the number 1.4, the 1 is in the ones place, and the 4 is in the tenth place. Aligning the decimal points correctly allows you to accurately add or subtract the numbers in each place value.

Remember to carry or borrow if necessary when adding or subtracting decimal numbers. For example, when adding 0.9 and 0.8, you would carry the 1 from the tenths place to the one place, resulting in a sum of 1.7. When subtracting 0.9 from 0.8, you would borrow from the one’s place, resulting in a difference of -0.1.