Algebra Tutorials!    
         
  Tuesday 3rd of December      
 
   
Home
Scientific Notation
Notation and Symbols
Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable
Graphing Equations in Three Variables
What the Standard Form of a Quadratic can tell you about the graph
Simplifying Radical Expressions Containing One Term
Adding and Subtracting Fractions
Multiplying Radical Expressions
Adding and Subtracting Fractions
Multiplying and Dividing With Square Roots
Graphing Linear Inequalities
Absolute Value Function
Real Numbers and the Real Line
Monomial Factors
Raising an Exponential Expression to a Power
Rational Exponents
Multiplying Two Fractions Whose Numerators Are Both 1
Multiplying Rational Expressions
Building Up the Denominator
Adding and Subtracting Decimals
Solving Quadratic Equations
Scientific Notation
Like Radical Terms
Graphing Parabolas
Subtracting Reverses
Solving Linear Equations
Dividing Rational Expressions
Complex Numbers
Solving Linear Inequalities
Working with Fractions
Graphing Linear Equations
Simplifying Expressions That Contain Negative Exponents
Rationalizing the Denominator
Decimals
Estimating Sums and Differences of Mixed Numbers
Algebraic Fractions
Simplifying Rational Expressions
Linear Equations
Dividing Complex Numbers
Simplifying Square Roots That Contain Variables
Simplifying Radicals Involving Variables
Compound Inequalities
Factoring Special Quadratic Polynomials
Simplifying Complex Fractions
Rules for Exponents
Finding Logarithms
Multiplying Polynomials
Using Coordinates to Find Slope
Variables and Expressions
Dividing Radicals
Using Proportions and Cross
Solving Equations with Radicals and Exponents
Natural Logs
The Addition Method
Equations
   
Try the Free Math Solver or Scroll down to Tutorials!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Please use this form if you would like
to have this math solver on your website,
free of charge.


Adding and Subtracting Decimals

Objective Learn how to add and subtract decimals.

The only idea needed to add or subtract decimals, beyond the standard algorithms for addition and subtraction of whole numbers, is the alignment of the numbers so the decimal points line up one above the other.

 

The Algorithm

Let's begin by introducing the following algorithm, since it will allow you to solve problems right away.

Addition and Subtraction Algorithm for Decimals

1. Write both decimals, one above the other, with the decimal point of one directly over the decimal point of the other.

2. Add or subtract the numbers as if they were whole numbers, ignoring the decimal point.

3. Place the decimal point in the answer directly below the decimal points in the numbers being added or subtracted.

 

Example 1

Add 2.12 and 3.59.

Solution

Write the two numbers one above the other, with the decimal points aligned.

2.12
+ 3.59

Add the digits, ignoring the decimal points at this step.

  1
2.12
+ 3.59
5 71

Insert a decimal point in the answer, directly below the other decimal points.

2.12
+ 3.59
5.71

So, the sum of 2.12 and 3.59 is 5.71. 1

 

Example 2

Subtract 1.01 from 3.17.

Solution

3.17   Line up the decimal points.
- 1.01   Subtract as with whole numbers.
2.16   Place the decimal point in the answer.

In some addition and subtraction problems, there will be more digits to the right of the decimal point in one number than in the other number. Therefore, it is very important to align the decimal points in problems where this is true. It may be helpful to insert one or more zeros to the right of the last digit of the number with fewer decimal places so that both numbers have the same number of digits to the right of the decimal point. The example below shows this procedure.

 

Example 3

Add 2.1 and 5.432.

Solution

Be sure to align the decimal points even though the numbers do not have the same number of digits.

2.100   Annex zeros; 2.1 = 2.100.
+ 5.432    

Now use the algorithm to find the sum.

2.100
+ 5.432
7.532

So, the sum of 2.1 and 5.432 is 7.532.

 

Estimation

Just as when adding and subtracting whole numbers, estimation should be used to check the reasonableness of the answer to a decimal sum or difference. For example, consider the sum of 2.9 and 4.3. Since 2.9 is almost 3 and 4.3 is about 4, their sum should be approximately 3 + 4 or 7. Using the algorithm, 2.9 + 4.3 = 7.2. The estimate of 7 indicates that 7.2 is a reasonable result for the sum.

 

Copyrights © 2005-2024