In this worksheet, we will learn how to find the difference between two decimal numbers.
For Example:
Find the difference between 17.5 and 2.75.
Answer:
Finding the difference means subtracting, so we need to work out 17.5 - 2.75
Step 1. Line up the decimal points and add zeros when needed, next to the 17.50.
Step 2. Subtract, starting with the hundredths place. We need to exchange, so 5 in the tenths place becomes 4 and 0 in the hundredths place becomes 10. Subtract 10 - 5 = 5.
Step 3. Move to the tenths place and exchange with the ones place (to the left of the decimal), so the 7 becomes 6 and the 4 in the tenths place becomes 14. Subtract 14 - 7 = 7.
Step 4. Move to the ones place, to the left of the decimal. Subtract 6 - 2 = 4 and then in the tens place, 1 - 0 = 1.
The answer is 14.75.
Subtract as normal, but remember to line up the decimal points so that the place value in the answer is correct.
Let's have a go at some questions now.