Comparing Decimal Subtraction: Is 3.2-2.10 Equal to Its Vertical Form?

Decimal Subtraction with Vertical Alignment

Determine whether the exercise is written correctly in relation to the position of the decimal point:

2.10-3.2

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Determine if the decimal point position is correct?
00:04 We'll use long subtraction to find the position of the decimal point
00:07 In long subtraction, the decimal point must be aligned one above the other
00:10 In our exercise, the decimal point is aligned one above the other
00:15 And secondly, we can see that the number we want to subtract
00:19 is not larger than the number we want to subtract from
00:27 The number is smaller, therefore the result will be negative
00:32 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Determine whether the exercise is written correctly in relation to the position of the decimal point:

2.10-3.2

2

Step-by-step solution

The problem requires us to verify if the subtraction exercise of the decimal numbers is written correctly, focusing on the position of the decimal points.

Step-by-step:

  • Step 1: Identify the given numbers, 2.102.10 and 3.23.2.

  • Step 2: Align these numbers by their decimal points for proper subtraction.

Upon alignment, the numbers are:

2.102.10
3.2-3.2.

To correctly align them for subtraction, we can rewrite 3.23.2 as 3.203.20 to match the number of decimal places:

2.102.10

3.20-3.20

The decimal points are aligned correctly in both numbers, confirming that the exercise is set up accurately regarding the position of the decimal point.

Thus, the answer to the problem is Yes.

3

Final Answer

Yes.

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Alignment Rule: Decimal points must line up vertically for accurate subtraction
  • Technique: Add zeros to match decimal places: 3.2 becomes 3.20
  • Check: Verify decimal points align: 2.10 and 3.20 are properly positioned ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Not aligning decimal points properly
    Don't line up the last digits without checking decimal placement = wrong subtraction! This leads to incorrect borrowing and wrong final answers. Always align decimal points vertically first, then add zeros to match decimal places.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Determine whether the exercise is written correctly in relation to the position of the decimal point:

2.10-3.2

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just line up the numbers from the right side?

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Because decimal numbers have different place values! When you line up from the right, you might be subtracting tenths from hundredths, which gives wrong results. Always align the decimal points first.

Do I need to add zeros to make the decimal places equal?

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It's very helpful but not always required. Adding zeros like changing 3.2 to 3.20 makes the subtraction clearer and reduces mistakes. It's a good habit to develop!

What if one number doesn't have a decimal point?

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Every whole number has an invisible decimal point after it! For example, 5 is really 5.0 or 5.00. Add the decimal point and zeros as needed for alignment.

How do I know if my vertical setup is correct?

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Check that all decimal points line up in a straight vertical line. If they don't, your setup needs adjustment before you start subtracting.

Can I solve this problem horizontally instead?

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Yes, but vertical alignment makes it much easier to keep track of place values and avoid errors, especially with borrowing in subtraction problems.

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