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In this activity, we will practise the subtraction of decimal numbers.

 

When adding or subtracting decimal numbers, be sure to keep the numbers and the decimal point in the right columns.

 

Example

17.3 - 9.42

 

In the calculation below, we have put 0 at the end to make it easier to see how to line up the digits correctly.

 

 

  

 

 
- 1 7 . 3  0  
  9 . 4 2
    7 . 8 8

 

If we fail to line the columns or decimal point up correctly, we will be mixing up our place values and it could result in some crazy answers.

 

Once we've set the calculation up correctly, it is just a simple subtraction problem. In the example above, we need to borrow from neighbouring columns - can you remember how to do that?

 

Be careful when lining up those decimal points!!

 

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10 questions