Calculate the Sum: 5.3 + 2.45 Decimal Addition

Q: Why can I add a zero to 5.3 to make it 5.30?

Adding zeros to the right of a decimal doesn't change its value! $ 5.3 = 5.30 = 5.300 $. It's like saying 5 dollars and 30 cents is the same as 5 dollars, 3 dimes, and 0 pennies.

Q: What if the numbers have different amounts of decimal places?

No problem! Just add placeholder zeros to make them the same length. For example, $ 3.4 + 2.567 $ becomes $ 3.400 + 2.567 $ for easier alignment.

Q: Do I need to show the vertical alignment every time?

Yes, especially when learning! Writing it vertically with decimal points lined up helps you avoid place value errors. It's the safest method for accurate addition.

Q: How do I know where to put the decimal point in my answer?

The decimal point in your answer goes directly below the decimal points in the problem. If you aligned them properly, this happens automatically!

Q: What if I get confused about which digits to add?

Start from the rightmost column (smallest place value) and work left. Add digits in the same column: hundredths + hundredths, tenths + tenths, ones + ones.

Decimal Addition with Different Place Values

$5.3+2.45=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 We will use vertical addition for calculation

00:09 Let's make sure to write properly, decimal point above decimal point

00:13 First, let's add the smallest digits

00:24 Calculate and substitute

00:31 Continue to add, calculate and substitute accordingly

00:49 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$5.3+2.45=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, follow these steps:

Identify the given numbers: $5.3$ and $2.45$ .
Align them by the decimal point:

  5.30
+ 2.45
------

Note that adding a zero to the right of $5.3$ makes it $5.30$ , which does not change its value but ensures alignment.

Next, perform the addition starting from the rightmost digit:

Hundredths place: $0 + 5 = 5$
Tenths place: $3 + 4 = 7$
Units place: $5 + 2 = 7$

Thus, the sum is:

  5.30
+ 2.45
------
  7.75

The sum of $5.3$ and $2.45$ is $7.75$ .

Therefore, the correct choice corresponding to our solution is choice 1: $7.75$ .

Final Answer

7.75

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Alignment Rule: Line up decimal points to align place values correctly
Technique: Add zeros as placeholders: 5.3 becomes 5.30 for alignment
Check: Verify by estimation: 5 + 2 ≈ 7, so 7.75 makes sense ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Not aligning decimal points properly
Don't just line up the right edges like 5.3 under 2.45 = wrong place values! This makes you add tenths to hundredths, giving incorrect sums. Always align the decimal points vertically first.

Practice Quiz

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FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can I add a zero to 5.3 to make it 5.30?

Adding zeros to the right of a decimal doesn't change its value! $5.3 = 5.30 = 5.300$ . It's like saying 5 dollars and 30 cents is the same as 5 dollars, 3 dimes, and 0 pennies.

What if the numbers have different amounts of decimal places?

No problem! Just add placeholder zeros to make them the same length. For example, $3.4 + 2.567$ becomes $3.400 + 2.567$ for easier alignment.

Do I need to show the vertical alignment every time?

Yes, especially when learning! Writing it vertically with decimal points lined up helps you avoid place value errors. It's the safest method for accurate addition.

How do I know where to put the decimal point in my answer?

The decimal point in your answer goes directly below the decimal points in the problem. If you aligned them properly, this happens automatically!

What if I get confused about which digits to add?

Start from the rightmost column (smallest place value) and work left. Add digits in the same column: hundredths + hundredths, tenths + tenths, ones + ones.

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