Subtracting Decimals

Subtracting Decimals is a bit complex when compared to regular subtraction. Get to know about the definition of Decimals before learning how to subtract Decimal Numbers. Usually, Decimal Numbers are Numbers that have a decimal point in between them. It has two parts and the one to the left of the decimal point is the Whole Number and the one to the right of the decimal point is called the Decimal Part or the Fractional Part. Be aware of Step by Step Procedure on Subtracting Decimal Numbers, Worked Out Examples on Decimal Subtraction, etc.

Also, Read:

How to Subtract Decimal Numbers?

Follow the simple steps listed below so that you can Subtract the Decimal Numbers easily. They are in the following fashion

  • Note down the decimal numbers one under the other and line up the decimal points.
  • Convert the unlike decimals to like decimals by padding with required zeros based on the maximum number of digits next to the decimal for any number of decimals.
  • Write the smaller decimal number beneath the larger decimal number in the column.
  • Arrange the decimals in a way that the decimals of the same place lie in the same column.
  • Subtract the numbers in the columns from the right as in regular subtraction.
  • Remember to place the decimal point in the result similar to the decimal places above it.

Worked out Problems on Subtracting Decimals

1. Subtract the Decimal 12.59 from 34.4?

Solution:

Given Decimals are 12.59, 34.4

Before Subtracting Decimals convert them to like decimals by padding with zeros.

The maximum number of decimal places among the given decimal numbers is 2. So, Annex with Zeros so as to obtain 2 places of decimals.

12.59➙12.59

34.4➙34.40

Subtract the Smaller Number from the Larger Number. Align the Decimal Numbers Lined up so that the decimals of the same place lie in the same column

Borrow as usual

34.40

12.59

(-)

——–—

21 .81

——–—

2. Subtract the Decimal 5.62 from 7.84?

Solution:

Given Decimals are 5.62, 7.84

Since both the decimals have an equal number of decimal places there is no need for Annexing of Zeros to convert them to like decimals.

Subtract the smaller number from the larger number. Place them one under the other number columnwise and perform regular subtraction and place a decimal point in the result similar to the decimal places above it.

7.84

5.62

(-)

——–—

2.22

——–—

3. Calculate the value of 8.005-0.35?

Solution:

Given Decimals are 8.005 and 0.35

The maximum number of decimal places among the given decimals is 3. So Pad with a required number of zeros to make them like decimals.

By converting them to like decimals we get

8.005 ➙ 8.005

0.35 ➙  0.350

Subtracting the smaller number from the larger number we have

8.005

0.350

(-)

——–—

7.655

——–—

FAQs on Subtracting Decimals

1. How do you subtract decimals step by step?

  • Write down the decimal numbers, one under the other, with the decimal points lined up.
  • Add zeros so that numbers have the same length and become like decimals.
  • Then subtract normally, and remember to put the decimal point in the result.

2. Why do you need to align decimal points before subtracting?

In order to make sure all the numbers are in the Proper Place Value column and align the decimal points. Thus we place ones to one’s place, tenths to tenths, hundredths to hundredths, and so on.

3. What should be done first in subtracting decimals?

The first and foremost step to be done while subtracting decimals is to line up the decimal points so that similar place values are lined up.

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