How to Subtract Decimals in 5 Easy Steps

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The Easy Method for Subtracting Decimals

Subtracting Decimals is the process of subtracting two numbers that are decimals from each other. When Subtracting Decimals you will put one number above the other number. When you do this, you must make sure the decimal in each number is lined up vertically. You need to add a zero to any blank space that does not have a number so that both decimals are the same length. The last step for finding how to subtract decimals is to subtract the decimals together through column subtraction. Be sure to borrow from the number in the bigger place value when you are subtracting from a smaller number. Make sure that the decimal gets moved down in the same spot as it was lined up in.

Common Core Standard: 6.NS.3

Return To: Home, 6th Grade

Here’s how to complete Decimal Subtraction Example Problems

Subtracting Decimals is how two numbers that are decimals are subtracted from each other. When Subtracting Decimals you will put one number over the other number. When you do this, you should ensure the decimal in each number is arranged vertically. You have to add a zero to any clear space that does not have a number with the goal that the two decimals have the same length. The final step for how to subtract decimals is to subtract the decimals together by vertically subtracting them. Ensure that the decimal stays in the same spot in your final answer.

5 Quick Steps to Easily Subtract Decimals from each other

Arrange the two decimals so that one is above the other.
Line up the decimals of the two numbers.
Add a zero to any blank space so that the two decimals are the same length.
Perform the subtraction of decimals from each other through column subtraction.
Bring the decimal straight down.

How to Subtract Decimals Practice Problems

Watch the video explanation of our Subtracting Decimals Worksheet

Watch our free video on how to Subtract Decimal Numbers. This video shows how to solve problems that are on our free Subtract Decimals worksheet that you can get by submitting your email above.

Watch the free Subtracting Decimals video on YouTube here: How to Subtract Decimals Video

Video Transcript:

This video is about how do you subtract decimals. You can get the subtraction of decimals worksheet used in this video for free by clicking on the link in the description below. Subtracting decimals is the process of subtracting one decimal from another decimal. In order to subtract decimals, you must take one of the decimals and place it above the other decimal and align the columns vertically. When you do this, you must make sure that the decimal points are aligned. If I were to rewrite 9.75 minus 4.93, I would have to align the 9 and the 4 so that leading number the decimals have to be aligned. Tenths column and the hundredths column also have to be aligned. The decimal points your answer will carry straight down. If the decimal is here it will also be located in the same spot in your answer. Now that everything is aligned you will perform regular column subtraction to get your solution. We’re going to do 5 minus 3 which is 2 and then 7 minus 9. In order to do that you have to borrow from the 9. We’re going to make this 9 and 8 and then make the 7 a 17. Now we’re going to do 17 minus 9 which is 8 and then finally we’re going to do 8 minus 4 which is 4. And now that we’ve subtracted you can see the decimal is already located in the answer. Now I know our solution is 4.82 for this decimal subtraction problem. Let’s do a couple practice problems from our subtracting decimals worksheet.

The first problem we’re going to complete on our subtracting decimals worksheet 6th grade is number one. This problem gives us 7.2 minus 3.1. I know the first part of subtracting decimals is to line them up vertically. I’m going to line up 7.2 minus 3.1. Now I have to make sure the decimals are aligned and I can take the decimal point and move it straight down to where answer is going to go. Then I can perform regular co regular column subtraction. I’m going to do 2 minus 1 which is 1 and then 7 minus 3 which is 4. I know that solution to 7.2 minus 3.1 is going to be 4.1.

The next problem we’re going to complete on our subtracting decimals worksheet is number six. This problem gives us 6.4 minus 2.05. Again, in order to subtract we’re going to align the numbers vertically. 6.4 minus 2.05, you may notice that we’re missing a number here. Anytime you have a missing number in your columns you’re going to add a zero. Now it’s 6.40 minus 2.05. Make sure you bring your decimal point straight down for your answer. Then we’re going to go ahead and subtract through column subtraction. Zero minus five, you can’t do because zero is smaller than five so we have to borrow from the number next to it. this four becomes a three and then the zero becomes a ten. Now we can subtract ten minus five which is five and then we’re going to move on to the next column. 3 minus 0 is 3 and then 6 minus 2 is 4. Our solution to this subtracting decimal problem is 4.35.

The last problem that we’re going to complete on our subtracting decimals worksheet is number seven. This problem gives us 7.08 minus 1.5. Again, we need to take our numbers and align them vertically. 7.08 minus 1.5. Now again we take the decimal point we move it straight down to our answer. We are also missing a number for our column subtraction. I’m going to add a zero into that missing spot and now we can subtract using column subtraction. Eight minus zero is eight, zero minus five you can’t do so we have to borrow from the seven. Now the seven becomes a six the zero becomes a ten. Now we can do ten minus five which is five and then six minus one which is also five. The solution to this subtracting decimals example is five 5.58. Hopefully this video was helpful for teaching you how to subtract decimals. Try all the practice problems by downloading the free subtracting decimals worksheets above.