Solve Decimal Subtraction: 6.8 - 4.2

Decimal Subtraction with Tenths Place

6.84.2= 6.8-4.2=

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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
00:07 We will place the decimal point in the appropriate position
00:10 We will start by subtracting the corresponding smallest digits
00:13 We will substitute and continue to subtract and calculate
00:17 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

6.84.2= 6.8-4.2=

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Step 1: Align the numbers by their decimal points.
  • Step 2: Subtract the subtrahend from the minuend.
  • Step 3: Place the decimal point in the answer, directly aligned with the decimal points of the numbers.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Align the numbers, 6.86.8 and 4.24.2, by their decimal points:

6.8 6.8
4.2-4.2
9.9\underline{\phantom{9.9}}

Step 2: Subtract each digit starting from the rightmost end (tenths place). Subtract 22 from 88 to get 66.
Then subtract 44 from 66 to get 22.

6.8 6.8
4.2-4.2
2.6\underline{2.6}

Step 3: Make sure to align the decimal point in the answer with the other decimal points. The result is 2.62.6.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 2.6 2.6 .

3

Final Answer

2.6

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Alignment: Always line up decimal points before subtracting
  • Technique: Subtract digit by digit from right to left: 8-2=6, 6-4=2
  • Check: Add your answer to the subtrahend: 2.6 + 4.2 = 6.8 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Misaligning decimal points
    Don't subtract without lining up decimal points = wrong place values! This makes you subtract tenths from ones or ones from tenths, giving completely wrong answers. Always align decimal points vertically before starting.

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?

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Lining up decimal points ensures you're subtracting like place values - tenths from tenths, ones from ones. Without proper alignment, you'll get the wrong answer every time!

What if I get confused about which number to subtract from which?

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In 6.84.2 6.8 - 4.2 , the first number (6.8) is the minuend and goes on top. The second number (4.2) is the subtrahend and goes below with a minus sign.

How can I check if my decimal subtraction is correct?

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Use addition to check! Add your answer to the number you subtracted. If you get the original first number, you're right: 2.6+4.2=6.8 2.6 + 4.2 = 6.8

What if the decimal points don't line up naturally?

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Always make them line up! You can add zeros to the right if needed. For example, if subtracting 3.25 - 1.8, write it as 3.25 - 1.80 so the decimal points align perfectly.

Do I need to borrow when subtracting decimals?

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Yes, borrowing works the same way! If you need to subtract 5 from 3 in any place value, borrow from the next place to the left, just like with whole numbers.

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