Solve Decimal Subtraction: 7.9 - 5.3

Decimal Subtraction with Aligned Place Values

7.95.3= 7.9-5.3=

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

Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

7.95.3= 7.9-5.3=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the subtraction problem 7.95.3 7.9 - 5.3 , we will follow a simple step-by-step process:

  • Step 1: Align the decimal points of both numbers. Write 7.9 7.9 directly above 5.3 5.3 such that the decimal points are lined up vertically.

  • Step 2: Perform the subtraction from right to left. Start with the tenths place:
    Subtract 3 3 (from 5.3) from 9 9 (from 7.9) in the tenths place, resulting in 6 6 .

  • Step 3: Move to the units place:
    Subtract 5 5 (from 5.3) from 7 7 (from 7.9) in the units place, resulting in 2 2 .

After subtracting, we find the result of the operation 7.95.3 7.9 - 5.3 is 2.6 2.6 .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is2.6 2.6 .

3

Final Answer

2.6

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Alignment Rule: Line up decimal points vertically before subtracting
  • Technique: Subtract column by column: 9 - 3 = 6, then 7 - 5 = 2
  • Check: Add your answer to the smaller number: 2.6+5.3=7.9 2.6 + 5.3 = 7.9

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Not aligning decimal points properly
    Don't subtract 7.9 - 5.3 by treating them like whole numbers (79 - 53) = wrong decimal placement! This puts digits in wrong place values and gives incorrect results like 26 or 0.26. Always line up the decimal points first so each digit is in its correct place value column.

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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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Decimal points show where the ones place ends and the tenths place begins. When you line them up, you're making sure you subtract tenths from tenths and ones from ones - just like you do with regular subtraction!

What if the numbers have different amounts of decimal places?

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Add zeros to the right of the shorter decimal! For example, if subtracting 7.9 - 5.32, write 7.9 as 7.90 so both numbers have the same decimal places.

Can I subtract from left to right instead?

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It's better to subtract from right to left (tenths first, then ones) because that's how subtraction naturally works. This way, if you need to borrow, you're prepared!

How do I know if my decimal point is in the right place?

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Your answer's decimal point should be directly below the decimal points in your problem. In 7.95.3 7.9 - 5.3 , the answer 2.6 2.6 has its decimal point in the same position.

What if I get a whole number as my answer?

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That's perfectly fine! Some decimal subtractions result in whole numbers. Just remember to show your work with proper decimal alignment even if the final answer doesn't have decimal places.

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