Decimal Subtraction

Introduction

Basic subtraction of decimals is similar to subtraction of whole numbers without borrowing.

Rules for Decimal Subtraction

• First the decimals are written in such a way that digits with same place values are vertically aligned.
• 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.

Problem 1

Subtract 38.48 16.3

Solution

Step 1

The decimals are aligned as shown. A zero is added to the right of 16.3 as the maximum number of decimal places is 2.

Step 2

We start with the right most column. Subtract 8 0 = 8; then moving to left column 4 3 = 1; again moving left 8 6 = 2; next 3 1 = 2;

Step 3

So the difference of the decimals is 12.18

Problem 2

Subtract 29.58 16.46

Solution

Step 1

The decimals are aligned as shown.

Step 2

We start with the right most column. Subtract 8 6 = 2; then moving to left column 5 4 = 1; again moving left 9 6 = 3; next 2 1 = 1;

Step 3

So the difference of the decimals is 13.12