Math Example--Decimal Concepts--Subtracting Decimals: Example 5

Topic

Decimals

Description

This example demonstrates the process of subtracting decimals with regrouping. The problem presented is 2.86 - 1.97. The solution involves aligning the decimal points and performing column subtraction, with regrouping (borrowing) when necessary. By following this method, students can solve the problem step-by-step and arrive at the correct answer of 0.89.

Subtracting decimals is a crucial skill in mathematics that builds upon students' understanding of place value, basic arithmetic operations, and the concept of regrouping. This collection of examples helps teach the topic by providing clear, visual representations of the subtraction process, including cases where regrouping is necessary across multiple place values. Students can observe how to align decimal points, perform the subtraction column by column, and handle more complex scenarios involving multiple regrouping steps.

Presenting multiple worked-out examples is essential for students to fully grasp the concept of decimal subtraction, especially when regrouping is involved. Each example in this collection showcases different scenarios, from simple subtractions to more complex ones requiring multiple regrouping steps. By exposing students to various problem types, they can develop a comprehensive understanding of the process and gain confidence in their ability to subtract decimals accurately, even in more challenging situations.

Teacher's Script: Now, let's look at our fifth example of subtracting decimals, which involves regrouping across multiple place values. We have 2.86 minus 1.97. Remember to line up the decimal points. Starting from the right, we can't subtract 7 hundredths from 6 hundredths, so we need to regroup. We borrow 1 tenth from the 8 tenths, making it 7 tenths, and add 10 hundredths to the 6 hundredths, making it 16 hundredths. Now we can subtract: 16 hundredths minus 7 hundredths equals 9 hundredths. Moving to the tenths column, we now have 7 tenths minus 9 tenths, which we can't do. So, we borrow 1 from the 2 in the ones place, making it 1, and add 10 tenths to the 7 tenths, making it 17 tenths. 17 tenths minus 9 tenths equals 8 tenths. Finally, in the ones column, 1 minus 1 equals 0. So, our final answer is 0.89. Remember, regrouping with decimals works just like with whole numbers, but we need to be extra careful with our decimal point!

For a complete collection of math examples related to Subtract Decimals click on this link: Math Examples: Subtracting Decimals Collection.