Adding and Subtracting Decimals

This shows examples of adding and subtracting decimals using the column method.

Adding and Subtracting Decimals | Printable Teaching Resource

📚 Understanding Adding and Subtracting Decimals
This printable teaching resource provides a clear and structured guide on adding and subtracting decimals, making it an ideal classroom poster for students in Years 5 to 8. Designed to simplify decimal operations, this resource helps students grasp the concept step by step with illustrative examples.

What Are Adding and Subtracting Decimals?

Adding and subtracting decimals requires careful alignment of numbers by their decimal points before performing operations. Here’s how:

✔ Adding Decimals:

• Align numbers by the decimal point.
• If necessary, add zeros to match decimal places.
• Add column by column, starting from the right.
• Carry over where needed and place the decimal point in the answer directly below.

✔ Subtracting Decimals:

• Align numbers at the decimal point and add zeros if needed.
• Subtract column by column from right to left, borrowing if required.
• Keep the decimal point in the result aligned with the original numbers.

This classroom display offers a visual step-by-step guide to help students build confidence in decimal arithmetic.

Why Are Decimals Important in Real Life?

Understanding decimal addition and subtraction is essential for:
✔ Managing money – Helps with budgeting and shopping calculations.
✔ Cooking measurements – Ensures accuracy in recipes.
✔ Travel and distances – Useful for calculating distances and time differences.
✔ Science and experiments – Necessary for accurate measurements and calculations.
✔ Time management – Helps in tracking durations and schedules.

Why Use This Teaching Resource?

✔ Visually engaging classroom display – Ideal for quick reference.
✔ Step-by-step explanation with examples – Simplifies decimal calculations.
✔ Curriculum-aligned – Supports Years 5 to 8.
✔ Printable PDF format – Perfect for lessons, revision, and independent learning.