Addition and Subtraction of Decimals

Addition and subtraction of decimals are a bit complex as compared to performing the operations on natural numbers. Before we learn how to add or subtract any two or more than two given decimals, first, let us understand decimals. The decimal number is used to represent a number with greater precision than integers or whole numbers. It uses a dot in between numbers, which is said to be a decimal point. Decimals are nothing but the simplified version of fractions. Check problems based on decimal fractions here.

For example, when we have to divide three pies among 4 kids, we cannot represent the pies received by each kid in terms of integers alone, as each kid has received pies that lie between 0 and 1. To deal with other similar problems, the concept of decimal was introduced. Thus, the idea of addition, multiplication, division and subtraction of decimals is an important topic. Let us say two friends are contributing to buy a cricket ball that costs Rs. 20. One of them has Rs. 7.50, and the other has Rs. 18.50. To know how much money each will have to contribute and how much they will be left with, they must understand the concept of addition and subtraction of decimals.