Subtracting Decimals
Ages 8–12Difficulty adapts to you
Subtracting Decimals
To subtract decimals, line up the decimal points, then subtract digit by digit. You may need to add zeros as placeholders.
Your goals
- ✓You can subtract decimal numbers.
- ✓You can use placeholder zero, difference correctly.
- ✓You can line up decimal points and add placeholder zeros when useful.
Words to know
- placeholder zero:
- A zero added after the final decimal digit without changing the value.
- difference:
- The result of subtraction.
Examples
- 15.8 − 2.3 = 3.5
- 24.00 − 1.25 = 2.75
Check these
- • Do not move a decimal point during subtraction.
- • Keep every number, symbol, label, and unit in its correct place.
- • Show enough working to check how you reached your answer.
Helpful habits
- • Read the whole question before choosing what to do.
- • Show one clear step at a time and check each step.
- • If you are stuck, draw a model, try smaller numbers, or revisit the example.
Now try your own
Create your own subtracting decimals example, solve it, and explain how you checked it.
Professor Wise Owl
Wisdom & Understanding“Patience and practice make perfect — give yourself time.”