Solve Decimal Subtraction: Finding the Difference Between 8.4 and 5.6

Q: Why can't I just subtract 6 from 4 in the tenths place?

Because 6 is bigger than 4! You can't subtract a larger number from a smaller one without borrowing. Think of it like needing more coins - you have to 'borrow' from the dollars to get enough dimes.

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 column. In $ 8.4 - 5.6 $, since 4

Q: What happens to the 8 when I borrow from it?

When you borrow 1 from the 8, it becomes 7. That borrowed 1 becomes 10 tenths, so your 4 tenths becomes 14 tenths. Now you can subtract: 14 - 6 = 8.

Q: How can I check if my answer is right?

Use addition to check subtraction! Add your answer to the number you subtracted: $ 2.8 + 5.6 $. If you get the original number (8.4), your answer is correct!

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

Yes, always! Decimal points must be perfectly aligned, just like place values in whole numbers. This ensures you're subtracting tenths from tenths, ones from ones, etc.

Decimal Subtraction with Borrowing

$8.4-5.6=$

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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

00:06 We will place the decimal point in the appropriate position

00:09 The digit is smaller than the digit we need to subtract from

00:12 Therefore we will borrow from the next digit

00:15 The larger digit will decrease by 1, and our digit will increase by 10

00:19 Now we subtract from the larger number and place

00:32 We will continue to subtract and place accordingly

00:40 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

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Understand the problem

$8.4-5.6=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this subtraction problem involving decimals, follow these steps:

Step 1: Write the numbers $8.4$ and $5.6$ , aligning the decimal points.
Step 2: Begin subtracting from the rightmost digit (tenths).
Step 3: Perform the subtraction in the tenths column: $4 - 6$ . This requires borrowing. Borrow 1 from the whole number 8, leaving it as 7 and converting the 4 tenths into 14 tenths.
Step 4: Subtract the tenths: $14 - 6 = 8$ .
Step 5: Move to the whole number column. Subtract: $7 - 5 = 2$ .

The result of subtracting $5.6$ from $8.4$ is $2.8$ .

Therefore, the correct answer is $\boxed{2.8}$ .

Final Answer

2.8

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Always align decimal points vertically before subtracting
Technique: Borrow from whole number when tenths digit is smaller: $14 - 6 = 8$
Check: Add your answer to the subtracted number: $2.8 + 5.6 = 8.4$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Not borrowing properly when the top digit is smaller
Don't try to subtract 6 from 4 in the tenths place = negative result! This happens when you forget that 4 - 6 requires borrowing. Always borrow 1 from the whole number part, making 4 tenths become 14 tenths.

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FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just subtract 6 from 4 in the tenths place?

Because 6 is bigger than 4! You can't subtract a larger number from a smaller one without borrowing. Think of it like needing more coins - you have to 'borrow' from the dollars to get enough dimes.

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 column. In $8.4 - 5.6$ , since 4 < 6, you must borrow from the 8.

What happens to the 8 when I borrow from it?

When you borrow 1 from the 8, it becomes 7. That borrowed 1 becomes 10 tenths, so your 4 tenths becomes 14 tenths. Now you can subtract: 14 - 6 = 8.

How can I check if my answer is right?

Use addition to check subtraction! Add your answer to the number you subtracted: $2.8 + 5.6$ . If you get the original number (8.4), your answer is correct!

Do I always need to line up the decimal points?

Yes, always! Decimal points must be perfectly aligned, just like place values in whole numbers. This ensures you're subtracting tenths from tenths, ones from ones, etc.

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