Solve Decimal Addition: 55.8 + 26.62 Using Vertical Alignment

Q: Why do I need to add a zero to 55.8?

Adding a zero makes 55.80 which helps you see that both numbers have the same number of decimal places. This prevents mistakes when adding column by column!

Q: What if I forget to carry over when adding?

Always write down your carry numbers above the problem! When $ 8 + 6 = 14 $, write the 1 above the next column so you don't forget to add it.

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

The decimal point in your answer goes in the same position as the decimal points you aligned in the problem. Count to make sure!

Q: Can I add decimals without lining them up vertically?

While possible, it's much easier to make mistakes! Vertical alignment with decimal points lined up is the safest and clearest method for decimal addition.

Q: What if the decimal has different numbers of places?

That's normal! Just add trailing zeros to make them the same length. For example: 55.8 becomes 55.80 to match 26.62's two decimal places.

Decimal Addition with Vertical Column Alignment

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Let's locate the decimal point

00:06 First, let's add the smallest digits

00:09 Write down, and continue adding

00:16 Calculate and write down the ones, remember 1 carried over

00:23 For this calculation add 1

00:28 Calculate and write down the ones, remember 1 carried over

00:40 For this calculation add 1, calculate and write down

00:48 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

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

Step 1: Align the decimal numbers by the decimal point.
Step 2: Perform the addition starting from the rightmost digit to the left.
Step 3: Confirm the sum after checking any carrying of digits.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Align the numbers vertically by the decimal point:
$\begin{array}{c} & 55.80 \\ + & 26.62 \\ \hline \end{array}$

Step 2: Add each column starting from the rightmost digit:
- Rightmost column: $0 + 2 = 2$
- Next column: $8 + 6 = 14$ ; write down $4$ , carry over $1$
- Next column: $5 + 6 + 1 \, (\text{carry}) = 12$ ; write down $2$ , carry over $1$
- Leftmost column: $5 + 2 + 1 \, (\text{carry}) = 8$

Thus, the sum is:
$\begin{array}{c} & 55.80 \\ + & 26.62 \\ \hline & 82.42 \\ \end{array}$

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $82.42$ .

Final Answer

82.42

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Alignment: Line up decimal points to keep place values correct
Technique: Add trailing zeros: 55.8 becomes 55.80 for easier calculation
Check: Count decimal places: 55.80 + 26.62 = 82.42 (two places) ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Not aligning decimal points properly
Don't line up numbers by their rightmost digits like 55.8 under 26.62 = wrong place values! This makes you add tens to ones or hundreds to tens. Always align the decimal points vertically first.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$\text{0.6+0}.5=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to add a zero to 55.8?

Adding a zero makes 55.80 which helps you see that both numbers have the same number of decimal places. This prevents mistakes when adding column by column!

What if I forget to carry over when adding?

Always write down your carry numbers above the problem! When $8 + 6 = 14$ , write the 1 above the next column so you don't forget to add it.

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

The decimal point in your answer goes in the same position as the decimal points you aligned in the problem. Count to make sure!

Can I add decimals without lining them up vertically?

While possible, it's much easier to make mistakes! Vertical alignment with decimal points lined up is the safest and clearest method for decimal addition.

What if the decimal has different numbers of places?

That's normal! Just add trailing zeros to make them the same length. For example: 55.8 becomes 55.80 to match 26.62's two decimal places.

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