Verify Decimal Format: Is 16.234 - 5.35 Correctly Aligned?

Decimal Subtraction with Proper Alignment

Is the following written in the correct format?

16.2345.35-

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Determine what is the correct writing format?
00:03 We'll use long subtraction to find the correct way
00:09 We'll write so that the decimal points are one above the other
00:15 And similarly each digit should be one above the other accordingly
00:23 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

Is the following written in the correct format?

16.2345.35-

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we need to verify if the numbers are properly aligned for subtraction:

  • Step 1: Identify the given numbers. We have the numbers 16.234 and 5.35 written in a vertical format.
  • Step 2: Check if decimal points are aligned. For proper subtraction of decimal numbers, the decimal points in both numbers should line up vertically.
  • Step 3: Align digits relative to their place values. We need to compare the positioning of digits before and after the decimal point to confirm correct alignment.

Now, let's apply these steps:
Step 1: We have the numbers 16.234 16.234 and 5.35 5.35 .
Step 2: Inspect the vertical alignment of the decimal points. We notice that 16.234 16.234 has three digits after the decimal, while 5.35 5.35 has only two digits.
Step 3: Evaluate the alignment. The decimal point in 5.35 5.35 is not properly aligned because it does not have the same number of decimal places as 16.234 16.234 .

Therefore, the format is not correct for vertical subtraction, as the alignment of decimal points and digits is incorrect. Hence, the correct answer is No.

3

Final Answer

No

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Decimal points must align vertically for correct subtraction
  • Technique: Add zeros to match decimal places: 5.35 becomes 5.350
  • Check: Count decimal places in both numbers to verify alignment ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Not aligning decimal points vertically
    Don't line up the rightmost digits like whole numbers = wrong place values! This causes incorrect borrowing and wrong answers. Always align decimal points first, then add zeros as needed.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Choose the correct writing form:

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just line up the numbers on the right like whole numbers?

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Because decimal place values are different! When you align on the right, you're comparing hundredths with thousandths, which gives wrong results. Always line up the decimal points first.

What do I do when the numbers have different amounts of decimal places?

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Add zeros to the shorter decimal to match! For example, change 5.35 5.35 to 5.350 5.350 so it has the same decimal places as 16.234 16.234 .

How do I know if my decimal alignment is correct?

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Check that the decimal points form a straight vertical line and both numbers have the same number of digits after the decimal point. Use zeros to fill empty places!

Does adding zeros change the value of the number?

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No! Adding zeros to the right of a decimal doesn't change its value. 5.35=5.350=5.3500 5.35 = 5.350 = 5.3500 - they're all equal!

What happens if I don't align the decimals properly?

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You'll get the wrong answer because you're subtracting from the wrong place values. For example, you might subtract tenths from hundredths instead of tenths from tenths.

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