Solving Problem With Decimals

About the Activity

Can you solve problems related to decimals? How do you multiply, divide or subtract decimal numbers? You won’t learn everything, but this tool will help you learn something. However, don’t worry, we are going to publish more lessons for you later.

In the meantime, if you have a problem with Decimals, check our Decimal Activities section.

Here are some rules for you to help:

To solve addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication problems involving numbers with decimals, follow these steps:

1. Addition:
   • Align the decimal points of the numbers being added.
   • Add as usual, starting with the rightmost column and carrying over if necessary.
   • Place the decimal point in the sum directly below the decimal point in the original numbers.
   • Round to the appropriate number of decimal places, if needed.
2. Subtraction:
   • Align the decimal points of the numbers being subtracted.
   • Subtract as usual, starting with the rightmost column and borrowing if necessary.
   • Place the decimal point in the difference directly below the decimal point in the original numbers.
   • Round to the appropriate number of decimal places, if needed.
3. Multiplication:
   • Ignore the decimal points and multiply the numbers as if they were whole numbers.
   • Count the total number of digits to the right of the decimal point in the original numbers.
   • Place the decimal point in the product so that the total number of digits to the right of the decimal point is equal to the number counted in step 2.
   • Round to the appropriate number of decimal places, if needed.
4. Division:
   • Move the decimal point in the divisor (the number you are dividing by) to the right until it becomes a whole number.
   • Move the decimal point in the dividend (the number you are dividing) the same number of places to the right as you did in step 1.
   • Divide as usual, ignoring the decimal points.
   • Place the decimal point in the quotient directly above the decimal point in the dividend.
   • Round to the appropriate number of decimal places, if needed.

Remember to always check your work and double-check the placement of the decimal point to avoid errors in your calculations.