Add and Subtract Decimals

When you are adding and subtracting decimals, there are two key things you need to do:

1) Line up your decimal points.

2) Fill in the decimals places, so there are the same amount in each question.

e.g. 4.75 + 2.4

Step 1: Set up the addition, taking care to line up your decimal points and add extra zeros where needed.

Step 2: Complete the addition as normal.

e.g. 3.845 - 0.48

Step 1: Set up the subtraction, taking care to line up your decimal points and add extra zeros.

Step 2: Complete the subtraction as normal.

Before you start this activity, grab a pen and paper so you can write out your own addition and subtraction sums to work them out.