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Adding Decimals



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In this section, we will learn about adding decimals and subtracting decimals. How do we add decimals? How do we subtract decimals? To add two or more decimals, we generally use vertical addition. This will allow us to break the addition down into a series of smaller steps. We will also be able to visually follow the placement of the decimal point in our answer. To set this up, we line up all numbers by place value. We then bring our decimal point straight down into the answer and add as we normally do. We begin in the far right column and sum individual columns, using the carrying process when needed. We continue this process until all columns have been added and we can report our answer. When we subtract two decimals, we again generally use vertical subtraction. Once again, this process will allow us to break the subtraction problem down into a series of smaller steps and visually follow the placement of the decimal point in our answer. We must ensure that the minuend is on top and the subtrahend is on the bottom. Again, we line the numbers up by place value and drag the decimal point down into the answer. Once this is done, we begin subtracting in the far right column, using the borrowing procedure when necessary. Once all columns have been subtracted, we can report our answer.
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