Solve Decimal Subtraction: Calculate 5.7 - 2.3

Decimal Subtraction with Aligned Place Values

5.7−2.3= 5.7-2.3= ?

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 We'll 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
00:15 We'll substitute and continue to subtract and calculate
00:19 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

5.7−2.3= 5.7-2.3= ?

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's solve the problem step by step:

  • Step 1: Align the numbers by their decimal points:
    5.7−2.3\begin{array}{c} 5.7 \\ - 2.3 \\ \hline \end{array}
  • Step 2: Subtract the digits in the tenths place 7−3=47 - 3 = 4.
  • Step 3: Subtract the digits in the units place 5−2=35 - 2 = 3.
  • Step 4: Write down the result by combining both differences, making sure to keep the decimal point aligned: 3.43.4.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 3.4 3.4 .

3

Final Answer

3.4

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Alignment Rule: Always line up decimal points before subtracting digits
  • Technique: Subtract column by column: 7-3=4, then 5-2=3
  • Check: Add your answer back: 3.4+2.3=5.7 confirms correct solution ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting without aligning decimal points
    Don't subtract 5.7-2.3 by treating them like 57-23 = 34! This ignores place values and gives 34 instead of 3.4. Always align decimal points vertically so tenths subtract from tenths and units from units.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Determine whether the exercise is correctly written or not.

The position of the decimal point corresponds.

88.100-88.101

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to align the decimal points?

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Aligning decimal points ensures you subtract like place values! Tenths subtract from tenths, units from units. Without alignment, you might subtract a tenth from a unit, giving the wrong answer.

What if the decimals have different numbers of digits?

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Add zeros as placeholders! For example, 5.7 - 2.34 becomes 5.70 - 2.34. This keeps everything aligned and makes subtraction easier.

How do I know which number goes on top?

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In subtraction a−b a - b , the first number a goes on top. For 5.7 - 2.3, put 5.7 on top and 2.3 below it.

What if I need to borrow across the decimal point?

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Borrowing works the same way! If you need to borrow from the units place to the tenths place, 10 tenths = 1 unit, just like with whole numbers.

Can I check my answer a different way?

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Yes! Use addition to check: 3.4+2.3=5.7 3.4 + 2.3 = 5.7 . If your subtraction is correct, adding the answer to the second number should give you the first number.

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