Question

How do you add decimals?

Answer 1

Refer to the step-by-step explanation.

Explanation:

Adding decimals is a fundamental arithmetic operation that involves combining numbers with decimal points. Decimals are a way to represent parts of a whole, allowing us to express values that fall between whole numbers. Adding decimals is similar to adding whole numbers, with the added step of aligning the decimal points.

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Here's the general process to add decimals:

Step 1: Align Decimal Points

Start by aligning the decimal points of the numbers you want to add. If one decimal number has more decimal places than the other, you can add trailing zeros to the shorter number to make them match.

Step 2: Add Digits

Begin adding the digits column by column, starting from the rightmost column (the ones place). Add the digits in each column, including any carried-over digits from previous columns. If the sum of the digits in a column is 10 or more, carry over the tens digit to the next column.

Step 3: Continue Adding

Continue adding digits column by column, moving from right to left. Be sure to include any carried-over digits from the previous step.

Step 4: Place Decimal Point

Once you've added all the columns, place the decimal point in the result directly below the decimal points in the numbers you're adding.

Step 5: Final Result

The number you obtain after adding the digits and placing the decimal point is your final sum.

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Example:

Let's add two decimal numbers: 5.237 + 3.18

(1) Align the decimal points:

`\begin{array}{c c c c }& \ 5.237 \\+ & 3.18 \\\cline{1-2} \\\end{array}`

(2) Add the digits column by column:

• Ones place: 7 + 0 = 7

• Tenths place: 3 + 8 = 11

• Hundredths place: 2 + 1 + 1 (carried over the 1) = 4

• Thousandths place: 5 + 3 = 8

(3) Place the decimal point below the aligned decimal points:

`\begin{array}{c c c c }& \ 5.237 \\+ & 3.18 \\\cline{1-2} & \ 8.417\\\end{array}`

So, 5.237 + 3.18 = 8.417