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# Subtracting Decimals

Learn Subtracting decimals concept. Subtracting decimals is same as that of subtracting whole numbers. The subtraction is said to be removing a part from the whole. The difference between two numbers or quantities is determined. The act of taking one number away from another is known as subtraction. For example, 5.7 – 3.2 = 2.5, here check the decimal points while subtracting the decimals.

 Related Calculators Subtract Decimals Calculator Subtraction Calculator Decimal Calculator Decimal Greater than less than

## How to Subtract Decimals

Much of what we have said about adding decimals is also true of subtraction. To subtract decimals, we use the following rule:

Step 1: Write the decimal numbers that are subtracted in column vice with their decimal points in a vertical line.

Step 2: Subtract just as you would with whole numbers.

Step 3: Place the decimal point of the difference in line with the decimal points of the numbers being subtracted.

Below you can see the examples of how to subtract decimals with proper steps -

### Solved Examples

Question 1: Subtracting 0.06 from 2.6?
Solution:

Step 1:

Let us write the two numbers one under the other, with the decimal points lined up in the column.

2.6

0.06

Step 2:

Add zeros to the number which should be same in length.

2.60

0.06

---------------

Step 3:

Subtract the numbers normally start from the right and subtract each column one by one and put the decimal point as it is given in the problem.

The number 6 cannot be subtracted from 0. So, borrow 1 from the next left position in the above number. The number 0 becomes 10 and subtract 6 from 10 we get 4.

2.60

0.06

2 .54

---------

The above problem is just like subtracting 260 – 6 = 254. But the decimal point is in the different position.

The solution for 2.6 – 0.06

Question 2: Subtracting 5.4336 from 4.2?
Solution:
Step 1:
Let us write the two numbers one under the other, with the decimal points lined up in the column.
5.4336
4.2

Step 2:
Add zeros to the number which should be same in length.
5.4336
4.2000
---------------

Step 3:
Subtract the numbers normally and put the decimal point as it is in the given example.
5.4336
4.2000
----------------
1.2336
-----------------

The above problem is just like subtracting 54336 – 42000 = 12336. But the decimal point is in the different position.
Therefore, the solution for 5.4336 – 4.2000

Question 3: Subtracting 7.003 from 0.23?
Solution:

Step 1:

Let us write the two numbers one under the other, with the decimal points lined up in the column.

7.003

0.23

------------

Step 2:

Add zeros to the number which should be same in length.

7.003

0.230

---------

Step 3:

Subtract the numbers normally start from the right and subtract each column one by one and put the decimal point as it is given in the problem.

The number 3 cannot be subtracted from 0 on the hundredths place. So, borrow 1 form the next tenths place in the top number. The number 0 becomes 10 in the hundredths place and subtract 6 from 10 we get 4.

7.003

0.230
6.

### Practice Problems

Question 1: Subtracting 0.004 from 0.356
Question 2: Subtracting 4.098 from 4.358
Question 3: Subtracting 5.0223 from 9.0305

## Subtracting Decimals Word Problems

Below you can see some word problems on subtracting decimals -

### Solved Examples

Question 1: Kelly was 98.5 centimeters (cm) tall on his fifth birthday. On her sixth birthday he was 103.5 cm. How much did she grow during the year?
Solution:

103.5 cm

- 98.5 cm

5.0  cm

Correct answer is Sally grew 5.0 cm during the year
Question 2: At the store, harry buys a roast that is marked $14.20. He pays for his purchase with a dollar 15 bill. How much change does he receive? Solution: Add zeros to the given values to make both look as a common decimal points. 15.00 Then subtract as normal. - 14.20$ 00.80

Correct answer is Harry got $00.80 Question 3: At the store, daisy buys a roast that is marked$13.40. She pays for her purchase with a dollar 20 bill. How much change does she receive?
Solution:
$20.00 - 13.40$7.60