What’s the Difference: Subtraction of Decimals

Fifth Grade

ISTE Standard: Global Collaborator

Objective
Help students show their understanding as they learn how to subtract decimals using visual aids
and group work.

Introduction (5 minutes)

• Display a subtraction problem on the board and ask students if they have ever subtracted
decimals before.
• Ask students to refer to the decimal place chart from Lesson 1 and explain that they will discuss
and learn how to add decimals.

Explicit Instruction/Teacher Modeling (12 minutes)

• Show Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8tCGNB-vOk

• Provide an example of a scenario. For example:
o I went to the mall and saw a game system that I wanted to purchase. It was on sale for
$349.99. When I looked in my wallet, I saw that I had $402.88. How much money
would I have left over if I purchased the game system?
• Show the chart on how to subtract decimals.
• Now bring up the previous examples and ask the class to work through it together with you.
o Write the two amounts on the board.
o Circle the decimal point. Ask the class where it should go when lining up equations to
solve.
o Explain that the decimal point needs to be in the same spot and the place values must
match up to properly add the equation.

Guided Practice (6 minutes)

• Ask a student to restate how they can subtract decimals. Make sure they state the importance
of place values. As they speak, write the key points on the board or learning board using
transition words.
o First, I or You …..
o Next, ……
o After that, …..
 o And finally,……..
• Ask the class if they agree with the explanation. If the explainer is having problems, ask the
class to refer back to the decimal place value chart, the subtraction of decimal chart, and guide
them into finding the correct answer.

Group work (10 minutes)

• Have students work in groups that will be randomly chosen by Quizlet using the live instruction
feature. Have them use the chrome books to complete a decimal subtraction exercise.
o https://quizlet.com/_c3jyku?x=1jqt&i=4p9wlo
• Encourage them to take time to make sure that they can explain their process fully.

ELL Adaptions

• Provide bilingual reference materials

• The technology exercise to be completed in their first language
• Provide bilingual instructional videos on YouTube
o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnLUMZGKLTg
• Encourage them to create and use vocabulary and index cards to keep as a reference

Adaptive/Assistive Technology

• The technology assignment can be modified for both the visual and hearing impaired by using
text to speech.

Assessment/Assignment (6 minutes)

• Distribute a decimal subtraction worksheet and ask students to complete it.

• Have them submit their answers on Padlet here:
https://padlet.com/jennifertennet/ldk4297p5s3m616
• Remind students to refer to the decimal place value chart, decimal subtraction chart, and their
notes from class.

Review (5 minutes)

• Ask for a few students to review their assessments with the class.
• Ask for feedback on the assessment. Correct misconceptions as necessary.