5th Grade Math

How to Add and Subtract Decimals

  1. Line up the decimal points vertically. Fill in 0's where it is necessary.
  2. Add or subtract the numbers as if they were whole numbers.
  3. Place the decimal point in the sum or difference so that it aligns vertically with the numbers that are being added or subtracted.

Examples of how to add and subtract decimals:

Picture of example problems


How to Multiply Decimals

  1. Multiply the decimals as if the decimals are whole numbers.
  2. When placing the decimal point, count the number of decimal places in each factor.
  3. The number of decimal places in the product is the sum of the number of decimal places in each factor.

Examples of how to add and subtract decimals:

Picture of example problem

For more assistance on multiplying decimals, watch the video below.

Video is from Education Galaxy on Youtube.