Adding and Subtracting Decimals Math Example 3

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

Example 3

medium
Calculate 14.75−8.093+2.414.75 - 8.093 + 2.4.

Solution

  1. 1
    Align decimal points by writing equivalent forms: 14.750−8.093+2.40014.750 - 8.093 + 2.400.
  2. 2
    Subtract first: 14.750−8.093=6.65714.750 - 8.093 = 6.657. (Thousandths: 0−30-3, borrow → 10−3=710-3=7; hundredths: 4−94-9, borrow → 14−9=514-9=5; tenths: 6−0=66-0=6; ones: 14−8=614-8=6.)
  3. 3
    Add: 6.657+2.400=9.0576.657 + 2.400 = 9.057.

Answer

9.0579.057
When adding and subtracting decimals with different numbers of decimal places, first equalize the number of decimal places by appending zeros. Then align the decimal points and operate left to right (or follow order of operations). Borrowing works the same way as with whole numbers.

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 2 medium

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

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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