Subtracting Decimals

What You Need to Know Beforehand

If you haven't learned about adding decimals, please review adding decimals first before proceeding.

Tricks to Subtract Decimals

If the number being subtracted (minuend) or the number being subtracted from (subtrahend) doesn't have enough decimal places, add ".0" to make it easier. (Why can we put in extra zeros?)

For example,

12 is the same as 12.0
4.7 is the same as 4.70
8.06 is the same as 8.060, but not 8.6

This helps to align the decimal points when subtracting.

Steps to Subtract Decimals

1. Align the Decimal Points: Write the numbers one under the other so that their decimal points line up. (This is equivalent to aligning the numbers by place value.)
2. Fill in Empty Spaces with Zeros: If the numbers have different decimal lengths, fill the shorter number with zeros to the right of the last decimal digit. (Why can we put in extra zeros?)
3. Subtract from Right to Left: Start subtracting from the rightmost digit (just like whole numbers). If a column can't be subtracted, borrow from the column to the left.
4. Place the Decimal Point in the Answer: The decimal point in the answer should be directly below the other decimal points.

Example

Let's do $4.7-1.29$

Begin by writing 4.7 as 4.70 (Why can we put in extra zeros?)

Align the Decimal Points

Fill the shorter number with zeros to the right of the last decimal digit

Subtract from Right to Left

Since 0 is too small to subtract 9, borrow from 7.

Subtract from Right to Left

Subtract from Right to Left

Subtract from Right to Left

Place the Decimal Point in the Answer directly below the other decimal points.

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Tips for Success

• Always align the decimal points.
• Remember to borrow if a column cannot be subtracted.
• Practice regularly to get comfortable with subtracting decimals. 

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