Decimal Subtraction with Whole Numbers
Use this worksheet to teach decimal subtraction with whole numbers. Work through one example with your student before assigning independent practice.
Teaching notes for parents and teachers
Use this worksheet to teach decimal subtraction with whole numbers. Work through one example with your student before assigning independent practice.
How to teach it
Line up decimal points and model adding trailing zeros without changing the value. Show each exchange between neighboring places, recording the reduced digit as well as the added units.
Examples to explain together
Check by addition: 13.75 + 2 = 15.75.
Check by addition: 6.91 + 3 = 9.91.
If your student needs help
If your student changes the decimal point or forgets to reduce the place used for regrouping, compare the renamed number with the original amount.
Check understanding
Ask your student to add the difference to the amount subtracted. The result should match the original starting amount.
Make a practice set
Select the worksheet, answer key, or both. When both are selected, the answer key prints after the questions. Keep it separate if you want your student to work independently.
After your student finishes
Review one problem together. Ask your student to explain the steps, then use the answer key to check the result. Revisit a difficult step before assigning another set.
About Decimal Subtraction with Whole Numbers
Practice decimal subtraction with whole numbers. Focus on accuracy before speed. Use the space provided to record the steps you need.
How to practice
Align the decimal points and write equivalent trailing zeros when needed. Subtract from the smallest place. An exchange from one place gives ten units of the place immediately to its right, just as in whole-number subtraction. Keep the decimal point aligned in the difference.
Examples to explain together
Check by addition: 13.75 + 2 = 15.75.
Check by addition: 6.91 + 3 = 9.91.
If your student needs help
Adding a zero at the end of a decimal is allowed; moving its decimal point is not. Remember to reduce the place from which you exchanged one unit.
Check understanding
Add the difference to the amount subtracted. Compare the total with the original decimal.
Before independent practice
Work through one example together. Ask the student to explain one step, then try a few questions independently. Review the cause of an error before repeating the calculation. Compare the student’s written steps with the answer key where worked steps are provided; a correct answer alone does not show which strategy was used.