Young Einstein Mathematics Educational Software Contents

Activity Number 299

Heading : Decimal Subtraction

Description : Subtract 2 decimal numbers.

Aim/Questions : Perform the decimal subtraction.

Educational software theory used:

When subtracting decimal numbers it is exactly the same steps as when you subtract normal numbers. You just need to make sure that the decimal points are ALWAYS lined up one above the other and make sure you write the digits neatly in the correct columns.

When subtracting two numbers that have a mixture of whole numbers and decimal numbers, you start from the right hand column and work towards the left hand column. Subtract each column separately and make sure you put your answers in the correct column.

You will normally need to do one separate set of sums for each column or place value unit.

Remember that you must always arrange your numbers so that the decimal points are lined up one above the other.

Eg

  Tens       Ones   .Tenths    Hundredths

 9 7 . 6 2

-6 4 . 8 4

 3 2 . 7 8

If you have decimal numbers with different amounts of digits, you can still subtract them but remember to write all your decimal numbers with the decimal points lined up.

Eg.

Hund   Tens     Ones  .  10ths     100ths    1,000ths

  1 2 . 3

    1 . 2 3

    4 . 5 6 7

1 2 3 . 2 3

    0 . 5

Educational software Instruction :

1.  Subtract the two decimal numbers then type your answer into the ‘Answer Box’ provided.

2.  Press ‘Enter’ when you have finished.

It might be easier to have backwards entry enabled for this exercise.

Module 299. These Instructions from 'Young Einstein Mathematics educational software by Maths Practice are Copyright. Copyright Maths Practice P/L 2003 ©