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Addition and Subtraction of Decimals Examples

Checkout our article on Addition and Subtraction of Decimals. Here we have provided all the tips and tricks through which one can learn adding and subtracting decimals.
authorImageNeha Tanna11 Nov, 2024
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Addition and Subtraction of Decimals

Addition and Subtraction of Decimals: Compared to operations on natural numbers, adding and subtracting decimals is a little more complicated. Let's first review decimals before learning how to add or subtract any two or more supplied decimals.

Compared to whole numbers or integers, decimal numbers are used to express numbers more precisely. It employs what is known as a decimal point—a dot—between numerals. The reduced form of fractions is what decimals are. Check out these decimal fraction-based problems. For instance, dividing three pies among four children cannot be done just using integers because each child has been given pies that fall between 0 and 1. The decimal notion was established to address other related issues. As a result, the concepts of decimal addition, multiplication, division, and subtraction are crucial. Let's imagine two pals are helping to pay Rs. 20 for a cricket ball. Their respective amounts are Rs. 7.50 and Rs. 18.50. They must comprehend the idea of addition and subtraction of decimals in order to determine how much money they will have to contribute and how much they will have left over.

What is Addition and Subtraction of Decimals?

The standard addition and subtraction rules apply when adding and subtracting decimals. The decimal positions that follow the decimal point are the only things that need to be considered. Before and after the decimal point, the numbers must be written in columns based on their place values. According to the decimal place value chart, place values that come before the decimal point begin with ones, tens, hundreds, and so forth. On the other hand, place values that come after the decimal point begin with tenths, then hundredths, and so forth. Let's use the addition of the decimal numbers described in the next section to better grasp this.

Addition of Decimals

Numbers can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided, as is well known. However, natural numbers make it simple to carry out all of these kinds of operations. There is a particular method for adding decimals. There are multiple steps involved in adding decimals.

How to Add Decimals?

The following procedures are used to add decimals:

Step 1: Depending on how many digits there are after the decimal for every given integer, the numbers are initially padded with zero.

For instance, the padding is done in accordance with 3.456 when adding 3.456 to 7.1 because 3.456 contains more digits after the decimal. We pad two zeros after one since 3.456 has three digits after the decimal. 7.1 to three places, then, equals 7.100. Step 2: The numbers are lined up vertically along with each other as given in the below figure. Addition of decimals 1 Step 3: Finally, add the decimal numbers similar to integers and place the decimal point accordingly. Addition of decimals 2

Examples of Decimal Addition

Let us see some examples of adding decimals.

Example 1: Addition 1.091 + 1.33.

Addition of Decimals

Example 2: Addition 0.0075 + 5.

Adding two decimals

Example 3: Add 9.1, 3.22, and 0.66.

Solution: Given, 9.1, 3.22 and 0.66. As we can see, 9.1 has only one digit after the decimal but 3.22 and 0.66 have two digits. Hence, we can write 9.1 as 9.10 Now add all the three decimals. 9.10 +3.22 +0.66 ——– 12.98 ——

Subtraction of Decimals

When subtracting decimals, the decimal number having a smaller whole number component is subtracted from the decimal number with a larger whole number component. However, there are some guidelines that we must adhere to while subtracting decimals.

How to Subtract Decimals?

The following procedures are used when subtracting decimals:

Step 1: Depending on how many digits there are after the decimal for every given integer, the numbers are initially padded with zero.

For instance, when subtracting 3.456 from 7.1, the padding is done in accordance with 3.456 because it contains more digits following the decimal. We pad 7.1 to three places as 7.100 since 3.456 has three digits following the decimal.

Step 2: As seen below, the numbers are arranged vertically next to one another.

Subtraction of decimals 1

Step 3: In the final step, subtract the decimal numbers that resemble integers and adjust the decimal point.

Subtraction of decimals 2

Examples on Decimal Subtraction

Let us understand the concept more clearly with the help of the following examples:

Example 1: Subtraction: 7.304 – 1.15

Subtraction of decimals example

Example 2: Subtraction 4.1 – 0.94

Subtracting Decimals

Important Points on Addition and Subtraction of Decimals

Here are some key points to remember when adding and subtracting decimals:

Align Decimal Points : Always line up the decimal points vertically to ensure each digit is in the correct place value.

Add Zeros if Necessary : If one decimal has fewer digits than the other, add zeros to the end of the shorter decimal for easier alignment. This doesn't change the value of the decimal but helps with clarity.

Proceed from Right to Left : Begin adding or subtracting from the rightmost digit and move left, just like with whole numbers.

Carry or Borrow as Needed : If the sum of two digits is 10 or greater (for addition), carry to the next column. If subtracting and the top digit is smaller, borrow from the next column.

Place the Decimal in the Answer : Ensure the decimal point in the answer is directly below the decimal points in the numbers you're adding or subtracting.

Check for Correct Place Value : After finding the answer, double-check that each digit is in the correct place value.

Estimate to Verify : Do a quick estimate to ensure your answer is reasonable. For example, rounding each decimal to the nearest whole number can help verify the accuracy of your answer.

Addition and Subtraction of Decimals FAQs

What is the difference between adding and subtracting decimals?

The addition of decimals is similar to the addition of numbers, but these numbers contain decimal points. The subtraction of decimals is the process of subtracting a decimal number with a smaller whole number part from the decimal number with a greater whole number part.

Are decimals allowed in standard form?

Decimal numbers in standard form are the simplest form, that can be easily read and written.

What are the rules for decimal addition?

Step 1: First of all, align the decimal numbers according to their place values. Step 2: Then, convert the decimal numbers to like decimals, if needed. Step 3: Finally, add the numbers and place the decimal point aligned with the given decimal points.

How is estimation helpful when adding and subtracting decimals?

Estimation is helpful when adding and subtracting decimals because it helps you know if your answer is close to the right answer or not. For example, say you added 12.4 + 2.73 and got 3.97. Rounding each number to the nearest whole number would give you 12 + 3, which equals 15.

When adding decimals, you add columns from?

Stack the numbers and line up the decimal points (and place value). Add each column from right to left and regroup the numbers when necessary. Write your final answer with the decimal point and check to make sure your answer is reasonable. The answer is 16.53.
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