Subtraction of Decimals

We will discuss here about the subtraction of decimals. Decimals are subtracted in the same way as we subtract ordinary numbers. We arrange the digits in columns and then subtract one decimal from the other decimal as required.

Let us consider some of the examples on subtracting decimals.

1. Subtract 3.489 - 1.234

Step I: Write the number vertically aligning on the decimal points. Step II: Subtract the thousandths. 9 – 4 = 5. Write 5 under thousandths. Step III: Subtract the hundredths. 8 – 3 = 5. Write 5 under hundredths. Step IV: Subtract the tenths. 4 – 2 = 2. Write 2 under tenths. Step V: Subtract the ones. 3 – 1 = 2. Write 2 under ones.

2. Subtract 1.928 – 0.429

Step I: Write the number vertically aligning on the decimal points. Step II: Regroup and subtract the thousandths.                               18 – 9 = 9.               Write 9 under thousandths. Step III: Regroup and subtract the hundredths.                                 11 – 2 = 9.                Write 9 under hundredths. Step IV: Regroup and subtract the tenths.                                          8 – 4 = 4.                Write 4 under tenths. Step V: Subtract the ones.                                            1 – 0 = 1.              Write 1 under ones.

3. Subtract 2.569 from 8.425

We arrange the digits of decimals in columns and subtract the smaller decimal from the greater one. We ensure that the decimal points are in the same column.

    8 . 4 2 5

  - 2 . 5 6 9

    5 . 8 5 6

4. Subtract 13.725 from 40.000

We arrange the digits of decimals in columns and then we subtract one decimal from the other as usual.

   4 0 . 0 0 0

 - 1 3 . 7 2 5

   2 6 . 2 7 5

5. Subtract 314.328 from 823.019

Subtract as required and ensure that the decimal points are in the same column.

  8 2 3 . 0 1 8

- 3 1 4 . 3 2 8

  5 0 8 . 6 9 0

6. Subtract 247.63 from 839.84

  8 3 9 . 8 4

- 2 4 7 . 6 3

   5 9 2 . 2 1

Questions and Answers on Subtraction of Decimals:

I. Subtract the following:

(i) 36.24 – 14.12 = ..............

(ii) 23.005 – 16.004 = ..............

(iii) 45.36 – 28.29 = ..............

(iv) 318.42 – 126.31 = ..............

(v) 240.05 – 169.35 = ..............

(vi) 999.009 – 888.118 = ..............

Answer:

I. (i) 22.12 

(ii) 7.001

(iii) 17.07 

(iv) 192.11

(v) 70.70 

(vi) 110.891

4th Grade Math Activities

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