Adding and Subtracting Decimals Math Example 2

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 2

medium
A ribbon is 5.60 meters long. You cut off 2.35 meters. How much ribbon is left?

Solution

  1. 1
    Write: \(5.60 - 2.35\).
  2. 2
    Align decimals: hundredths \(0-5\): borrow, \(10-5=5\); tenths \(5-3\): but borrowed, so \(5-1=4\), \(4-3=1\)...
  3. 3
    More carefully: \(5.60 - 2.35\): hundredths \(0-5\) → borrow: \(10-5=5\); tenths \(6-1=5\), \(5-3=2\) → wait: after borrowing tenths becomes \(5\), \(5-3=2\); ones \(5-2=3\).
  4. 4
    Result: \(3.25\) meters.

Answer

3.25 meters
\(5.60 - 2.35 = 3.25\). Align decimal points and subtract column by column, borrowing as needed.

About Adding and Subtracting Decimals

Adding and subtracting numbers with decimal points by aligning the decimal points vertically so that digits with the same place value line up.

Learn more about Adding and Subtracting Decimals →

More Adding and Subtracting Decimals Examples

Example 1 easy

Calculate (3.4 + 2.7).

Example 3 medium

Calculate [formula].

Example 4 easy

Calculate (1.8 + 0.5).

Example 5 medium

A pitcher has 2.75 liters of juice. After pouring 1.40 liters, how much is left?

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