1.

5 Adding and Subtracting Decimals

Performing operations with decimals is very similar to the methods you know for whole numbers.
The main difference is that it’s really important that the decimal point is kept in the right place.

Learning Objective — Spec Ref N2:

Add and subtract decimals without using a calculator.

To add and subtract decimals, arrange them in columns like you would for whole numbers —
just make sure you line up the decimal points. You might have to add in 0’s to fill in any gaps.

Example 1

Work out 4.53 + 1.6

1. Write one number above the other, 4.53 4.53 4.53
lining up the decimal points. + 1.60 + 1.60 + 1.60
2. Fill in any gaps with 0’s. . 3 .13 6.13
1 1
3. Add the digits one column at a time.
4. Carry digits just like when adding whole numbers. So 4.53 + 1.6 = 6.13

Example 2

Work out 8.5 – 3.07

4 1 4 1 4 1
1. Write one number above the other, 8.50 8.50 8.50
lining up the decimal points. – 3.07 – 3.07 – 3.07
2. Fill in any gaps with 0’s. . 3 .43 5.43
3. Subtract the digits one column at a time.
4. Borrow digits just like when
subtracting whole numbers. So 8.5 – 3.07 = 5.43

Exercise 1
Q1 Copy and work out the following.
a) 5.1 b) 6.3 c) 5.7 d) 4.8
+ 1.8 + 5.4 +12.6 + 5.3

Section 1 Non-Calculator Arithmetic 15