Decimals & Percents · Add & subtract decimals · 2.2

Subtract decimals.

Subtracting decimals works the same way: line up the points, pad with zeros so both have the same places, then subtract column by column, borrowing as usual.

01 / THE IDEA

See it work.

Watch the method

Subtract decimals

0.5 − 0.12 = 0.38.

1 / 2
0.5−0.120.5 - 0.12
1

Line up the decimal points

Stack the numbers so the points align, then subtract column by column.

0.5−0.120.5 - 0.12
2

Bring down the point

The point in the answer lines up too.

=0.38= 0.38
02 / YOUR TURN

Practice until it feels automatic.

Your turn

Work it out.

Type a decimal, e.g. 0.75.

streak 0
best 0
… =
— / WHY IT WORKS

The idea underneath.

Pad, then subtract

Write 0.5 as 0.50 so the columns match, then subtract like whole numbers.

Why it works

0.50 − 0.12 = 0.38.

03 / WORKED EXAMPLES

From easy to tricky.

EX 1easy

Subtract 3.95 - 1.89

1

Line up the decimal points

Stack the numbers so the points align, then subtract column by column. 3.95 - 1.89

2

Bring down the point

The point in the answer lines up too. = 2.06

EX 2medium

Subtract 8.22 - 1.78

1

Line up the decimal points

Stack the numbers so the points align, then subtract column by column. 8.22 - 1.78

2

Bring down the point

The point in the answer lines up too. = 6.44

EX 3hard

Subtract 9.25 - 0.75

1

Line up the decimal points

Stack the numbers so the points align, then subtract column by column. 9.25 - 0.75

2

Bring down the point

The point in the answer lines up too. = 8.5

04 / COMMON TRAPS

Where students slip.

Trap

Forgetting to pad with a zero.

Fix

Write 0.5 as 0.50 before subtracting.

Trap

Misaligning the points.

Fix

Stack the points in one column.

05 / QUIZ

Test yourself.

The Test

12 problems across three tiers. Auto-graded on submit. Hints and a full walkthrough on every question. Your work is saved on this device — sign in to keep it across devices.

0/12Answered
How to answerType just the value. Formatting won't trip you up — we ignore spaces, capital letters, commas, and subscript style, so t₁ = 5, d = 3 and t1=5,d=3 both count. For a list of numbers, separate them with commas (e.g. 3, 10, 17).
Core

Core (4)

C1

Subtract 4.66 - 2.64

Need a hint?
  • Pad the shorter number with zeros.
  • Line up the points and subtract.
C2

Subtract 9.99 - 1.19

Need a hint?
  • Pad the shorter number with zeros.
  • Line up the points and subtract.
C3

Subtract 9.98 - 2.06

Need a hint?
  • Pad the shorter number with zeros.
  • Line up the points and subtract.
C4

Subtract 8.66 - 2.83

Need a hint?
  • Pad the shorter number with zeros.
  • Line up the points and subtract.
Apply

Apply (4)

A1

Subtract 9.89 - 0.14

Need a hint?
  • Pad the shorter number with zeros.
  • Line up the points and subtract.
A2

Subtract 5.81 - 2.11

Need a hint?
  • Pad the shorter number with zeros.
  • Line up the points and subtract.
A3

Subtract 8.85 - 0.97

Need a hint?
  • Pad the shorter number with zeros.
  • Line up the points and subtract.
A4

Subtract 5.14 - 1.95

Need a hint?
  • Pad the shorter number with zeros.
  • Line up the points and subtract.
Extension

Extension (4)

E1

Subtract 3.15 - 0.19

Need a hint?
  • Pad the shorter number with zeros.
  • Line up the points and subtract.
E2

Subtract 9.45 - 2.45

Need a hint?
  • Pad the shorter number with zeros.
  • Line up the points and subtract.
E3

Subtract 7.59 - 0.51

Need a hint?
  • Pad the shorter number with zeros.
  • Line up the points and subtract.
E4

Subtract 4.45 - 2.46

Need a hint?
  • Pad the shorter number with zeros.
  • Line up the points and subtract.