Solve the Decimal Subtraction: 24.2 - 3.7

Q: Why can't I subtract 2 - 7 directly?

You can't subtract a larger digit from a smaller one in the same place value! Just like you can't take 7 apples from a box with only 2 apples. You need to borrow from the next place value first.

Q: What does borrowing actually mean in decimal subtraction?

Borrowing means taking 1 from the next place value and converting it to 10 in the current place. So 24.2 becomes 23.12 (4 becomes 3, and 2 becomes 12).

Q: How do I keep my decimal points lined up?

Write the numbers in columns with decimal points directly under each other, like this:24.2- 3.7____This prevents mistakes!

Q: Can I check my answer somehow?

Yes! Add your answer to the number you subtracted. If $ 20.5 + 3.7 = 24.2 $, then your subtraction is correct!

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

No problem! You can add zeros to make them equal. For example, 24.2 can be written as 24.20 if needed. The value stays the same.

Decimal Subtraction with Borrowing

$24.2-3.7=$

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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 0 and the decimal point in the appropriate position

00:12 The digit is smaller than the digit we need to subtract from

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

00:18 The larger digit will decrease by 1, and our digit will increase by 10

00:24 Now we'll subtract from the larger number and place

00:32 We'll continue to subtract and place accordingly

00:52 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$24.2-3.7=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem $24.2 - 3.7$ , follow these detailed steps:

Step 1: Align the numbers by their decimal points:
$\begin{array}{r} 24.2 \\ -3.7 \\ \hline \end{array}$
Step 2: Subtract the digits from the rightmost side. Starting with the tenths place, $2 - 7$ cannot be done without borrowing. Borrow 1 from the number in the units place (4 becomes 3), making it $12 - 7 = 5$ .
Step 3: Proceed to the whole number place. After borrowing, subtract $3 - 3 = 0$ .
Step 4: Move to the tens place, subtract $2 - 0 = 2$ .

Therefore, the result of the subtraction $24.2 - 3.7$ is $20.5$ .

Final Answer

20.5

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Alignment: Always line up decimal points before subtracting
Borrowing: When 2 - 7 is impossible, borrow 1 from 4 to make 12 - 7 = 5
Check: Add your answer to the smaller number: 20.5 + 3.7 = 24.2 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting to borrow when subtracting larger digits from smaller ones
Don't try to subtract 2 - 7 = wrong answer like 25 or negative numbers! This happens when you ignore place value rules. Always borrow from the next place value: change 4.2 to 3.12, then subtract 12 - 7 = 5.

Practice Quiz

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FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I subtract 2 - 7 directly?

You can't subtract a larger digit from a smaller one in the same place value! Just like you can't take 7 apples from a box with only 2 apples. You need to borrow from the next place value first.

What does borrowing actually mean in decimal subtraction?

Borrowing means taking 1 from the next place value and converting it to 10 in the current place. So 24.2 becomes 23.12 (4 becomes 3, and 2 becomes 12).

How do I keep my decimal points lined up?

Write the numbers in columns with decimal points directly under each other, like this:

24.2
- 3.7
____

This prevents mistakes!

Can I check my answer somehow?

Yes! Add your answer to the number you subtracted. If $20.5 + 3.7 = 24.2$ , then your subtraction is correct!

What if there are different numbers of decimal places?

No problem! You can add zeros to make them equal. For example, 24.2 can be written as 24.20 if needed. The value stays the same.

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