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Learn how to subtract decimals that have a different number of decimal places.

8.67 - 3.5 =

Let's set out the calculation as a column subtraction.

When we set out a column subtraction we make sure our ones, tenths and hundredths are in the right column and the decimal points are lined up.

As with any column subtraction, we start on the right hand side :

• 7 hundredths take away 0 hundredths is 7 hundredths.
• 6 tenths take away 5 tenths is 1 tenth.
• 8 ones take away 3 ones is 5 ones.

8.67 - 3.5 = 5.17

You can write 3.5 as 3.50. This doesn't change the value of the number and might help you with the calculation.

7.5-1.26 =

4.37-2.524 =

In this example, the first number has two decimal places and the second number has three decimal places.

Let's work this out step by step.

• 4 thousandths cannot be taken away from 0 thousandths so we exchange 1 hundredth for 10 thousandths. 10 thousandths take away 4 thousandths is 6 thousandths.

• 6 hundredths take away 2 hundredths is 4 hundredths.

• 5 tenths cannot be taken away from 3 tenths, so we exchange 1 one for 10 tenths. 13 tenths take away 5 tenths is 8 tenths.

• 3 ones take away 2 ones is 1 one.

4.37 - 2.524 = 1.846

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