Solve Decimal Subtraction: 2.2 - 1.5 Step-by-Step

Q: Why can't I just subtract 2 - 5 and get 3?

Because 2 is smaller than 5! In decimal subtraction, you need to borrow from the next place value, just like with whole numbers. Think of 2.2 as having 22 tenths, so you can subtract 15 tenths.

Q: What does borrowing mean in decimal subtraction?

Borrowing means taking 1 from the units place and converting it to 10 tenths. So 2.2 becomes 1 unit and 12 tenths, making subtraction possible: 12 - 5 = 7.

Q: How do I know when I need to borrow?

You need to borrow whenever the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit in any place value. In $ 2.2 - 1.5 $, since 2

Q: Can I check my answer without doing the problem again?

Yes! Use addition to check subtraction. Add your answer to what you subtracted: $ 0.7 + 1.5 $. If you get the original number (2.2), your answer is correct!

Q: What if there are different numbers of decimal places?

No problem! You can always add zeros to make them the same length. For example, treat 2.2 as 2.20 if needed. The zeros don't change the value but help with alignment.

Decimal Subtraction with Borrowing Technique

$2.2-1.5=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 We'll use long subtraction for calculation

00:08 Place the decimal point in the appropriate position

00:11 The digit is smaller than the digit we need to subtract from

00:14 So we'll borrow from the next digit

00:17 The larger digit will decrease by 1, and our digit will increase by 10

00:21 Now we'll subtract from the larger number and write

00:33 We'll continue to subtract and write accordingly

00:42 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

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Understand the problem

$2.2-1.5=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem $2.2 - 1.5$ , follow these steps:

Step 1: Write down the numbers vertically, ensuring the decimal points are aligned:

$2.2$

$-1.5$

Step 2: Begin subtraction from the tenths place (rightmost decimal place).
Step 3: Subtract $5$ from $2$ in the tenths place, which necessitates borrowing:
- Change $2.2$ to $2.1$ (borrowing 1 from the units place, making it $12$ tenths).
Step 4: Perform the subtraction:
- $12 - 5 = 7$ in the tenths place, with a carry back to units (effectively $1$ in the units becomes $0$ ).
- $1 - 1 = 0$ in the units place.

Therefore, the result of $2.2 - 1.5$ is $0.7$ .

Final Answer

0.7

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Alignment: Always line up decimal points vertically before subtracting
Borrowing: Convert $2.2$ to $1.12$ when subtracting 5 from 2
Check: Add your answer to the subtracted number: $0.7 + 1.5 = 2.2$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Not borrowing correctly when subtracting in decimal places
Don't just write 2 - 5 = 3 in the tenths place = wrong answer 1.3! This ignores place value rules. Always borrow from the next place value: change 2.2 to 1.12, then subtract 12 - 5 = 7 in tenths place.

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FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just subtract 2 - 5 and get 3?

Because 2 is smaller than 5! In decimal subtraction, you need to borrow from the next place value, just like with whole numbers. Think of 2.2 as having 22 tenths, so you can subtract 15 tenths.

What does borrowing mean in decimal subtraction?

Borrowing means taking 1 from the units place and converting it to 10 tenths. So 2.2 becomes 1 unit and 12 tenths, making subtraction possible: 12 - 5 = 7.

How do I know when I need to borrow?

You need to borrow whenever the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit in any place value. In $2.2 - 1.5$ , since 2 < 5 in the tenths place, borrowing is required.

Can I check my answer without doing the problem again?

Yes! Use addition to check subtraction. Add your answer to what you subtracted: $0.7 + 1.5$ . If you get the original number (2.2), your answer is correct!

What if there are different numbers of decimal places?

No problem! You can always add zeros to make them the same length. For example, treat 2.2 as 2.20 if needed. The zeros don't change the value but help with alignment.

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