Solve Decimal Subtraction: 0.3 - 0.2 Step by Step

Q: Why can't I just subtract 2 from 3 and get 1?

Because 0.3 means 3 tenths, not 3 whole numbers! When you subtract decimals, you must keep track of place values. $ 0.3 - 0.2 = 0.1 $, not 1.

Q: Do I always need to line up the decimal points?

Yes, always! Lining up decimal points ensures you're subtracting the same place values. Think of it like making sure ones subtract from ones, tenths from tenths.

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

Add zeros to make them the same length! For example, $ 0.3 - 0.25 $ becomes $ 0.30 - 0.25 $. The zeros don't change the value.

Q: How can I check if my decimal subtraction is correct?

Use addition to check! Add your answer to the number you subtracted. If you get the original number, you're right. Example: $ 0.1 + 0.2 = 0.3 $ ✓

Q: Is 0.1 the same as 0.10?

Yes! Adding zeros after the last digit in a decimal doesn't change its value. $ 0.1 = 0.10 = 0.100 $. They all represent 1 tenth.

Decimal Subtraction with Tenths Place

$0.3-0.2=$

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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 subtraction for calculation

00:08 We will place the decimal point in the appropriate position

00:11 We will start by subtracting the corresponding smallest digits

00:14 We will place and continue to subtract and calculate

00:18 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

$0.3-0.2=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this subtraction problem effectively, we can follow a clear method of subtracting decimal numbers:

Step 1: Align the decimal numbers vertically by their decimal points.
Step 2: Write the numbers as:
$\begin{array}{c} \\ 0.3\\ -0.2\\ \hline \end{array}$
Step 3: Subtract the digits from right to left. Here, we only have the tenths place to consider.

Subtract $2$ tenths from $3$ tenths: $3 - 2 = 1$ .

Step 4: The result of the subtraction is $0.1$ .

Thus, the result of the subtraction $0.3 - 0.2$ is $0.1$ .

Final Answer

0.1

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Alignment: Line up decimal points vertically before subtracting
Technique: Subtract column by column: $3 - 2 = 1$ in tenths place
Check: Add result to smaller number: $0.1 + 0.2 = 0.3$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Not aligning decimal points properly
Don't subtract 3 - 2 = 1 thinking the answer is 1! This ignores place value completely. The 3 represents 3 tenths, not 3 ones. Always align decimal points and keep the decimal in your answer.

Practice Quiz

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FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just subtract 2 from 3 and get 1?

Because 0.3 means 3 tenths, not 3 whole numbers! When you subtract decimals, you must keep track of place values. $0.3 - 0.2 = 0.1$ , not 1.

Do I always need to line up the decimal points?

Yes, always! Lining up decimal points ensures you're subtracting the same place values. Think of it like making sure ones subtract from ones, tenths from tenths.

What if one number has more decimal places than the other?

Add zeros to make them the same length! For example, $0.3 - 0.25$ becomes $0.30 - 0.25$ . The zeros don't change the value.

How can I check if my decimal subtraction is correct?

Use addition to check! Add your answer to the number you subtracted. If you get the original number, you're right. Example: $0.1 + 0.2 = 0.3$ ✓

Is 0.1 the same as 0.10?

Yes! Adding zeros after the last digit in a decimal doesn't change its value. $0.1 = 0.10 = 0.100$ . They all represent 1 tenth.

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