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How to Subtract a Decimal from a Decimal (Step-by-Step Examples)

From Math with Mr. J

How to Subtract a Decimal from a Decimal (Step-by-Step Examples)
11 min5thMath
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Summary

How to add and subtract decimals by lining up the decimal points and adding place by place. Mr. J shows how to fill in with zeros.

Viewer safety

All ages

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Teaching resources

Discussion questions

Line up the decimal points so you add tenths to tenths and hundredths to hundredths.

  1. Why do you line up the decimal points?
  2. How can adding a zero help you subtract decimals?
  3. Where does the decimal point go in your answer?

Quick work-a-long

Words to know: decimal point, line up, place value

  • Solve 4.5 + 3.27.
  • Solve 6.4 - 2.85.