Mastering the Art of Subtracting Decimals from Whole Numbers- A Step-by-Step Guide_1

How to Subtract Decimals from a Whole Number

Subtracting decimals from a whole number can sometimes seem daunting, especially if you’re new to the concept. However, with a few simple steps and some practice, you’ll be able to subtract decimals from whole numbers with ease. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of subtracting decimals from a whole number, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle this mathematical task.

First, let’s start with the basics. When subtracting decimals from a whole number, you need to ensure that both numbers have the same number of decimal places. If the whole number has no decimal places, you can simply add a decimal point and zeros to the right of the last digit to make it a decimal with one decimal place. For example, if you want to subtract 2.5 from 7, you would rewrite 7 as 7.0.

Once both numbers have the same number of decimal places, you can align them vertically, just like you would when adding or subtracting whole numbers. In our example, the numbers would look like this:

  7.0
– 2.5
____

Now, subtract the numbers as you would with whole numbers, starting from the rightmost digit:

  7.0
– 2.5
____
  4.5

In this case, you subtract 0 from 5, which gives you 5. Then, you subtract 2 from 7, which gives you 5. Finally, you put the decimal point in the same place for both numbers, resulting in 4.5.

Remember, when subtracting decimals, you can’t have a negative result for the whole number part. If the subtraction in the decimal part results in a negative number, you need to borrow from the whole number part. For example, if you want to subtract 2.8 from 5.2, you would do the following:

  5.2
– 2.8
____
  2.4

In this case, you can’t subtract 8 from 2, so you borrow 1 from the 5, making it 4. Now, you have 12 in the tens place, and you can subtract 8 from 12, resulting in 4. Finally, you subtract 2 from 4, which gives you 2.4.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to subtract decimals from whole numbers with ease. Practice different examples, and soon you’ll find yourself performing this task effortlessly. Remember, the key is to keep the numbers aligned and to borrow when necessary. Happy subtracting!