Tips for Adding Decimals

Adding decimals is quite similar to adding whole numbers. There are just a few extra steps.

Follow these steps to add two or more decimals:

1: Make sure that the decimals to be added have the same number of digits
After the decimal point. IF NOT, remember to add zeroes to make
them equal.

Example:

Add 0.345 and 2.37.

Notice that 0.345 has 3 digits after the decimal point while 2.37 has
just 2 digits!

To make the number of digits equal in their decimal parts, just add a zero
at the end of 2.37  2.370.


2: Arrange the decimals one below the other (vertical format). Make sure that the decimal points are aligned or lined up vertically. Aligning the decimal
points vertically is important as it preserves the place-value positions of the digits.

0. 345
2. 370
______

______

3: Add the numbers just like you would add whole numbers and in the result, put the decimal point just below the other decimal points.

0. 345
2. 370
______

2. 715
______

Tips for Subtracting Decimals

Subtracting decimals is quite similar to subtracting whole numbers. There are just a few extra steps.

Follow these steps to subtract two or more decimals:

1: Make sure that the decimals to be subtracted have the same number of digits after the decimal point. IF NOT, remember to add zeroes to make
them equal.

Example:

Subtract 1.65 from 3.483.

Notice that 3.483 has 3 digits after the decimal point while 1.65 has
just 2 digits!

To make the number of digits equal in their decimal parts, just add a zero
at the end of 1.65  1.650.


2: Arrange the decimals one below the other (vertical format). Make sure that The decimal points are aligned or lined up vertically. Aligning the decimal
A point vertically is important as it preserves the place-value positions of the digits.

3. 483
1. 650
______

______

3: Subtract the numbers just like you would subtract whole numbers and in the result, put the decimal point just below the other decimal points.

3. 483
1. 650
______

1. 833
______