Decimal subtraction: Advanced

Advanced subtraction of decimals is similar to subtraction of whole numbers with borrowing.

First the decimals are apgned so that the same place values are there above and below each other.

We then add zeros to the right of decimal numbers where ever necessary so that all numbers have the same number of digits after the decimal point.

We begin with the rightmost column and start subtracting the digits.

Then we keep moving to the left till all columns are subtracted.

Subtract 47.324 − 28.75

Solution

Step 1:

The decimals are apgned as shown. A zero is added to the right of 28.75 as the maximum number of decimal places is 3.

Step 2:

We start with the right most column. Subtract 4 − 0 = 4; then moving to left column, we borrow one from left; 3 becomes 2 and 12 − 5 = 7; again borrowing 1 from left; 7 becomes 6 and 12 − 7 = 5; next borrowing 1 from left; 4 becomes 3 and 16 − 8 = 8; 3 – 2 = 1

Step 3:

So the difference of the decimals is 18.574

Subtract 89.765 − 28.894

Solution

Step 1:

The decimals are apgned as shown.

Step 2:

We start with the right most column. Subtract 5 − 4 = 1; then moving to left column, 6 < 9, So we borrow one from left; 7 becomes 6 and 16 − 9 = 7; 6 < 8, so borrowing 1 from left; 9 becomes 8 and 16 − 8 = 8; next 8 − 8 = 0; and 8 – 2 = 6

Step 3:

So the difference of the decimals is 60.871