Subtraction of Decimals with Answers

Subtracting decimals involves aligning the decimal points of the numbers and then performing the subtraction as you would with whole numbers. It requires careful attention to the placement of the decimal point in the answer. Here are the components to consider when subtracting decimals: -

Decimal numbers: Numbers that have a decimal point separating the whole number part from the fractional part. 

Decimal point: The dot that separates the whole number from the fractional part. 

Borrowing: A technique used when a digit in the minuend is smaller than the corresponding digit in the subtrahend.

When subtracting decimals, follow these steps:

Align decimal points: Write the numbers vertically so that the decimal points are aligned. Add zeros if necessary: Add trailing zeros to the decimal part of the numbers to ensure they have the same length.

Subtract as with whole numbers: Start from the rightmost digit and work your way to the left, borrowing if necessary.

Place the decimal point: In the result, place the decimal point directly below the other decimal points.

The following method can be used for the subtraction of decimals: 

Vertical Method To apply the vertical method for subtraction of decimals, use these steps:

Step 1: Write the numbers vertically, aligning the decimal points.

Step 2: Add zeros as placeholders if necessary to ensure equal decimal lengths.

Step 3: Subtract the numbers as you would with whole numbers, borrowing where needed.

Step 4: Place the decimal point in the answer directly below the other decimal points.

In decimal subtraction, some characteristic properties are:

Subtraction is not commutative: Changing the order of numbers changes the result, i.e., A - B ≠ B - A. 

Subtraction is not associative: Regrouping numbers changes the result, i.e., (A − B) − C ≠ A − (B − C). 

Subtracting zero: Subtracting zero from a decimal number leaves the number unchanged, i.e., A - 0 = A. 

Subtraction is the addition of the opposite sign: A − B = A + (−B).

Here are some tips to efficiently subtract decimals:

Tip 1: Ensure decimal points are aligned to avoid errors.

Tip 2: Use zeros as placeholders to maintain the same number of decimal places.

Tip 3: Double-check your borrowing to prevent mistakes.

Tip 4: Use estimation to verify your final answer is reasonable.

Subtracting decimals can be tricky, and there are common pitfalls to avoid. Awareness of these errors can help prevent them: