Decimal Subtraction: Solve 1.123 - 1.01 Step by Step

Q: Why do I need to add a zero to 1.01?

Adding zeros helps you line up place values correctly! When you write 1.01 as 1.010, it's easier to see that you're subtracting thousandths from thousandths and hundredths from hundredths.

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! Since both 1.123 and 1.010 have decimal points in the same column, your answer 0.113 has its decimal point there too.

Q: Can I check my answer by adding?

Absolutely! Addition is the opposite of subtraction. Add your answer (0.113) to what you subtracted (1.01). If you get the original number (1.123), your subtraction is correct!

Decimal Subtraction with Different Decimal Places

Solve the following exercise:

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:04 Place 0 in the appropriate place, place the point in the appropriate place

00:08 Subtract accordingly, and place

00:19 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

Solve the following exercise:

Step-by-step solution

To avoid confusion in solving the exercise, we'll first add the digit 0 to the number 1.01 as follows:

$1.123\\-1.010\\$

Now let's solve the exercise in order:

Let's subtract the thousands after the decimal point:

$3-0=3$

Let's subtract the hundreds after the decimal point:

$2-1=1$

Let's subtract the tenths after the decimal point:

$1-0=1$

Finally, let's subtract the whole numbers before the decimal point:

$1-1=0$

And we obtain the following:

$1.123\\-1.010\\0.113$

Final Answer

0.113

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Alignment Rule: Line up decimal points vertically before subtracting
Technique: Add zeros: 1.01 becomes 1.010 to match 1.123
Check: Add your answer to subtrahend: 0.113 + 1.01 = 1.123 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Not aligning decimal points properly
Don't line up the rightmost digits like whole numbers = wrong place values! This makes you subtract hundreds from thousands or mix up decimal places. Always align decimal points vertically first, then add zeros to make equal decimal places.

Practice Quiz

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Choose the correct writing form:

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to add a zero to 1.01?

Adding zeros helps you line up place values correctly! When you write 1.01 as 1.010, it's easier to see that you're subtracting thousandths from thousandths and hundredths from hundredths.

What if I forget to line up the decimal points?

You'll get the wrong answer! For example, if you subtract like whole numbers, you might get 0.023 instead of 0.113. Always draw a vertical line through the decimal points to keep them aligned.

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! Since both 1.123 and 1.010 have decimal points in the same column, your answer 0.113 has its decimal point there too.

Can I check my answer by adding?

Absolutely! Addition is the opposite of subtraction. Add your answer (0.113) to what you subtracted (1.01). If you get the original number (1.123), your subtraction is correct!

What if my answer starts with zero like 0.113?

That's completely normal! When subtracting decimals close in value, you often get answers less than 1. Just make sure to keep the zero before the decimal point - it shows your answer is less than one whole.

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