Solve Decimal Addition: 1.6 + 0.5 Step-by-Step

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

Decimal points must align so you're adding the same place values together - tenths with tenths, units with units. Without alignment, you'd be adding different place values!

Q: What happens when I get 6 + 5 = 11 in the tenths column?

Write down the 1 in the tenths place and carry the other 1 to the units column, just like regular addition! This carrying is crucial for getting the right answer.

Q: How can I check if 2.1 is correct?

Try different methods: Convert to fractions: $ 1\frac{6}{10} + \frac{5}{10} = 2\frac{1}{10} = 2.1 $Use mental math: 1.6 is close to 2, plus 0.5 gives about 2.5, and 2.1 is reasonable

Q: Why isn't the answer 1.11 or 2.11?

1.11 would come from incorrectly adding 1 + 0 + 6 + 5 without carrying. 2.11 happens when you don't carry properly and write both digits from 6 + 5 = 11 in the same column.

Q: Do I always need to show the column format?

For learning, yes! The column format helps you see the alignment clearly. Once you're confident, you can add decimals horizontally, but always imagine the columns.

Decimal Addition with Column Alignment

$1.6+0.5=$

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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

00:06 We will place the decimal point in the appropriate position

00:09 We will start by adding the appropriate smallest digits

00:19 We will place the units and remember 1 above

00:26 We will add 1 to this calculation, and place it

00:36 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

$1.6+0.5=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, let's add the decimal numbers $1.6$ and $0.5$ as follows:

Step 1: Write the numbers $1.6$ and $0.5$ in a column, ensuring that the decimal points are aligned:
$\begin{array}{c} 1.6 \\ +0.5 \\ \hline \end{array}$
Step 2: Begin with the rightmost digits (tenths place). Add $6$ (from $1.6$ ) and $5$ (from $0.5$ ):
$6 + 5 = 11$ . Write down the $1$ in the tenths place and carry over the other $1$ to the units place.
Step 3: Move to the units place. Add $1$ (carried over) to $1$ (from $1.6$ ) and $0$ (from $0.5$ ):
$1 + 1 + 0 = 2$ .
Step 4: Combine the sums from Steps 2 and 3 to get the final result.

Thus, the sum of $1.6$ and $0.5$ is $2.1$ .

The correct answer is $2.1$ .

Final Answer

2.1

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Alignment: Line up decimal points vertically before adding
Technique: Add tenths: 6 + 5 = 11, carry the 1
Check: Verify decimal point placement: 2.1 has one decimal place ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Not aligning decimal points properly
Don't just line up the right digits without checking decimal points = wrong place values! This makes 1.6 + 0.5 look like 16 + 5 = 21 instead of 2.1. Always align decimal points first, then add column by column.

Practice Quiz

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FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to line up the decimal points?

Decimal points must align so you're adding the same place values together - tenths with tenths, units with units. Without alignment, you'd be adding different place values!

What happens when I get 6 + 5 = 11 in the tenths column?

Write down the 1 in the tenths place and carry the other 1 to the units column, just like regular addition! This carrying is crucial for getting the right answer.

How can I check if 2.1 is correct?

Try different methods:

Convert to fractions: $1\frac{6}{10} + \frac{5}{10} = 2\frac{1}{10} = 2.1$
Use mental math: 1.6 is close to 2, plus 0.5 gives about 2.5, and 2.1 is reasonable

Why isn't the answer 1.11 or 2.11?

1.11 would come from incorrectly adding 1 + 0 + 6 + 5 without carrying. 2.11 happens when you don't carry properly and write both digits from 6 + 5 = 11 in the same column.

Do I always need to show the column format?

For learning, yes! The column format helps you see the alignment clearly. Once you're confident, you can add decimals horizontally, but always imagine the columns.

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