SME
Grade 5 Math · Problem type
Subtract decimals
Use this for “Subtract: 5.27 − 2.85 = ___.”
Diagram
12.5 − 3.75 = 8.75
This is an example. Type your own values to start a new problem.
Start
−
Number taken away
=
Difference
Formulas
12.5 − 3.75 = 8.75
Start − number taken away = difference
Assumptions
•
Line up the decimal points. Write a 0 in any empty place: 12.5 is 12.50.
•
Subtract each place from the right, regrouping like whole numbers.
•
The point in the answer goes under the other points. Numbers to 999.99.
Step-by-step
WE KNOW
Start: 12.5
Number taken away: 3.75
FIND
difference
Step 1 · Find difference
12.5 − 3.75 = ?
Start − number taken away = difference
Line up the points, fill empty places with 0, then subtract place by place.
0
11
14
10
1
2
.
5
0
−
3
.
7
5
8
.
7
5
Difference = 8.75
Check
Put the numbers back in. Both sides should match.
12.5 − 3.75 = 8.75 ✓
Topic check
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Related lessons
Add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals
Main lesson
Multiply decimals and whole numbers
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Divide decimals by whole numbers
Use this for 7.2 ÷ 4: a decimal shared into equal parts.
Multiply a decimal by a decimal
Use this for “What is 0.6 × 0.3?” with tenths times tenths.
Divide by a decimal
Use this for “How many 0.5s are in 3?” (3 ÷ 0.5), or 0.24 ÷ 0.08.
Estimate sums of decimals
Use this for “About how much is 12.65 + 8.3?” by rounding each to the nearest whole number.
Estimate differences of decimals
Use this for “About how much is 12.65 − 8.3?” by rounding each to the nearest whole number.
Estimate products of decimals
Use this for “About how much is 4.8 × 6.2?” by rounding each to the nearest whole number.