Calculate the Difference: Solving 30.4 - 12.6 Step by Step

To solve the subtraction problem $30.4 - 12.6$, follow these steps:

Step 1: Write the numbers vertically, ensuring that the decimal points are aligned:

$\begin{array}{c} 30.4 \\ - 12.6 \\ \hline \end{array}$

Step 2: Begin subtracting from the rightmost column, which is the tenths place in this case:

• The tenths column: $4 - 6$. Since 4 is less than 6, we need to borrow from the whole numbers to the left. The 0 in the units column of 30 becomes 10 (because we borrow 1, which makes it 10 in decimal terms), and the 3 becomes 2.
• Now, 14 - 6 = 8. Write 8 in the tenths place. The result so far is 0.8.

Step 3: Move to the units place (whole numbers column):

• Subtract $2 - 2 = 0$.
• Write 0 in the units place. The result so far is 0.8.

Step 4: Move to the tens place:

• Subtract $3 - 1 = 1$ (remember we borrowed 1 earlier, hence it is now 2 in place of originally 3, subtracting 1 gives 1).
• Write 1 in the tens place. The final result is $17.8$.

Therefore, the solution to the problem $30.4 - 12.6$ is $17.8$.