Add/Subtract Decimals

Adding Decimals

When adding decimals, follow these steps:

Line up the decimal points.
Add the numbers as if they were whole numbers.
Place the decimal point in the answer directly below the decimal points in the numbers being added.

For example:
5.24 + 3.17 ------- 8.41

Subtracting Decimals

When subtracting decimals, follow these steps:

Line up the decimal points.
Subtract the numbers as if they were whole numbers.
Place the decimal point in the answer directly below the decimal points in the numbers being subtracted.

For example:
7.89 - 3.24 ------- 4.65

Multiply/Divide Decimals

Multiplying Decimals

When multiplying decimals, follow these steps:

Multiply the numbers as if they were whole numbers.
Count the total numbers after the decimal points in the numbers being multiplied.
Place the decimal point in the product so that there are the same total numbers after the decimal point as there are in the numbers being multiplied.

For example:
3.5 x 2.6 ------ 9.1

Dividing Decimals

When dividing decimals, follow these steps:

Move the decimal point in the divisor to the right until it becomes a whole number.
Move the decimal point in the dividend the same number of places to the right as in step 1.
Divide the numbers as if they were whole numbers.
Place the decimal point in the quotient directly above the decimal point in the dividend.

For example:
4.2 ÷ 0.7 ------ 6

Study Guide

To practice adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals, you can use the following exercises:

Calculate: 5.3 + 2.17 = ?
Calculate: 8.9 - 3.24 = ?
Calculate: 3.6 x 2.5 = ?
Calculate: 9.8 ÷ 2 = ?

◂Math Worksheets and Study Guides Fifth Grade. Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide Decimals

Study Guide

Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide Decimals

Activity Lesson

Operations Path with Decimals

Worksheet/Answer key

Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide Decimals

Worksheet/Answer key

Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide Decimals

Worksheet/Answer key

Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide Decimals

Worksheet/Answer key

Multipying & Dividing Decimals

Vocabulary/Answer key

Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide Decimals

The resources above cover the following skills:

Number and Operations (NCTM)

Understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems.

Understand the place-value structure of the base-ten number system and be able to represent and compare whole numbers and decimals.

Compute fluently and make reasonable estimates.

Use visual models, benchmarks, and equivalent forms to add and subtract commonly used fractions and decimals.

Algebra (NCTM)

Use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships.

Model problem situations with objects and use representations such as graphs, tables, and equations to draw conclusions.

Grade 5 Curriculum Focal Points (NCTM)

Number and Operations: Developing an understanding of and fluency with addition and subtraction of fractions and decimals

Students apply their understandings of fractions and fraction models to represent the addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators as equivalent calculations with like denominators. They apply their understandings of decimal models, place value, and properties to add and subtract decimals. They develop fluency with standard procedures for adding and subtracting fractions and decimals. They make reasonable estimates of fraction and decimal sums and differences. Students add and subtract fractions and decimals to solve problems, including problems involving measurement.

Connections to the Grade 5 Focal Points (NCTM)

Number and Operations: Building on their work in grade 4, students extend their understanding of place value to numbers through millions and millionths in various contexts. They apply what they know about multiplication of whole numbers to larger numbers. Students also explore contexts that they can describe with negative numbers (e.g., situations of owing money or measuring elevations above and below sea level).