Decimal Addition: Calculate the Sum of $1.5 and $3.2

Q: Why do I need to line up the decimal points?

Decimal points must align to ensure you're adding the correct place values together - tenths with tenths, ones with ones. Without proper alignment, you'll get the wrong answer!

Q: What if one decimal has more digits than the other?

Add zeros to the shorter decimal to make them equal length. For example, treat 1.5 as 1.50 when adding to 3.25.

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

The decimal point in your answer goes directly below the aligned decimal points in the problem. This keeps all place values properly organized!

Q: Can I add decimals without writing them vertically?

Yes, but vertical alignment is much safer for beginners! It helps you avoid place value errors and makes checking your work easier.

Decimal Addition with Money Values

Jacob's mother gives him $\( 1.5$ and his brother Patrick $\( 3.2$ .

How much does she give to Jacob and Patrick in total?

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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 long addition for calculation

00:08 Each time we will add and substitute accordingly

00:18 We will place the decimal point in the appropriate place

00:22 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

Jacob's mother gives him $\( 1.5$ and his brother Patrick $\( 3.2$ .

How much does she give to Jacob and Patrick in total?

Step-by-step solution

In order to determine the total amount that the mother gave Jacob and Patrick, we'll add the numbers vertically as follows:

$1.5\\+3.2$

We'll add from right to left accordingly and obtain the following:

$4.7$

Final Answer

$4.7$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Alignment: Line up decimal points before adding vertically
Technique: Add column by column: 5 + 2 = 7, then 1 + 3 = 4
Check: Verify decimal point placement: $1.5 + 3.2 = 4.7$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Misaligning decimal points during addition
Don't line up the rightmost digits like whole numbers = wrong answer 4.5! This ignores place value and gives incorrect results. Always align decimal points vertically before adding each column.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Which decimal number is greater?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to line up the decimal points?

Decimal points must align to ensure you're adding the correct place values together - tenths with tenths, ones with ones. Without proper alignment, you'll get the wrong answer!

What if one decimal has more digits than the other?

Add zeros to the shorter decimal to make them equal length. For example, treat 1.5 as 1.50 when adding to 3.25.

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

The decimal point in your answer goes directly below the aligned decimal points in the problem. This keeps all place values properly organized!

Can I add decimals without writing them vertically?

Yes, but vertical alignment is much safer for beginners! It helps you avoid place value errors and makes checking your work easier.

What if I forget to include the dollar sign in my answer?

Always read the problem carefully! Since Jacob and Patrick received money, your final answer should include the dollar sign: $4.7

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