Solve Decimal Addition: 6.2 + 2.4 Step-by-Step

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

Lining up decimal points ensures you're adding like place values together - tenths with tenths, ones with ones. Without alignment, you might accidentally add a tenth to a one!

Q: What if the decimal numbers have different lengths?

No problem! You can add zeros to make them the same length. For example, 6.2 becomes 6.20 when adding to 2.45. The zeros don't change the value.

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. It stays in the same column throughout the addition!

Q: Do I need to carry over when adding decimals?

Yes! If a column adds up to 10 or more, carry the extra to the next left column just like with whole numbers. The decimal point doesn't change this rule.

Q: Can I check my answer another way?

Absolutely! You can estimate first: $ 6.2 + 2.4 $ is about $ 6 + 2 = 8 $, so 8.6 makes sense. Always use estimation to check if your answer is reasonable!

Decimal Addition with Vertical Alignment

$6.2+2.4=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:03 Let's solve this problem step by step.

00:07 First, we'll use long addition to calculate our answer. Remember to line up the numbers carefully.

00:14 Next, let's make sure our decimal points are lined up correctly. This is very important!

00:21 Now, we'll start by adding the digits on the far right, moving from right to left.

00:26 Let's continue adding each column, and don't forget to carry over when needed.

00:31 And there we have it! We've found our answer. Great job following along!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$6.2+2.4=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we follow these steps:

Step 1: Write down the numbers vertically, aligning the decimal points.
Step 2: Add each column of digits, starting from the rightmost column (the tenths place).
Step 3: If any column adds to a number equal to or greater than 10, carry over to the next left column.

Let's work through the solution:
Step 1: Align the numbers vertically:
6.2
+ 2.4
--------
Step 2: Add the digits in the tenths column: $2 + 4 = 6$ . Write the 6 in the tenths place below.
Step 3: Add the digits in the ones column: $6 + 2 = 8$ . Write the 8 in the ones place below.
Therefore, the sum of $6.2$ and $2.4$ is $8.6$ .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $8.6$ , which corresponds to choice 1.

Final Answer

8.6

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Alignment Rule: Always line up decimal points vertically before adding
Technique: Add column by column: 2 + 4 = 6, then 6 + 2 = 8
Check: Count decimal places: both numbers have 1, so answer has 1 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding decimals without aligning decimal points
Don't just line up the rightmost digits like 6.2 + 2.4 = 8.6 but calculated as 62 + 24 = 86! This ignores place value and gives answers 10 times too large. Always align decimal points vertically 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?

Lining up decimal points ensures you're adding like place values together - tenths with tenths, ones with ones. Without alignment, you might accidentally add a tenth to a one!

What if the decimal numbers have different lengths?

No problem! You can add zeros to make them the same length. For example, 6.2 becomes 6.20 when adding to 2.45. The zeros don't change the value.

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. It stays in the same column throughout the addition!

Do I need to carry over when adding decimals?

Yes! If a column adds up to 10 or more, carry the extra to the next left column just like with whole numbers. The decimal point doesn't change this rule.

Can I check my answer another way?

Absolutely! You can estimate first: $6.2 + 2.4$ is about $6 + 2 = 8$ , so 8.6 makes sense. Always use estimation to check if your answer is reasonable!

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