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Adding and Subtracting Decimals Worksheets

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Add and subtract decimals to thousandths: lining up the points, hundredths grid models, regrouping, writing zeros and money word problems.

Download the adding and subtracting decimals worksheets

Learn how

Line up the points, fill empty places, then add or subtract.

Hundredths grid models

Shade the grid to show sums and differences.

Add and subtract in columns

Points lined up, regrouping, zeros and thousandths.

Word problems

Money and measurement stories.

  • Preview of the printable “Decimal word Problems: Add, Subtract, sheet A” worksheet: solving word problems by adding and subtracting decimalsView all 2 pages

    Decimal word Problems: Add, Subtract, sheet A

    Solving word problems by adding and subtracting decimals

    Answer key on page 2

    US LetterPDFA4PDF

    2 pages54 KB

  • Preview of the printable “Decimal word Problems: Add, Subtract, sheet B” worksheet: solving word problems by adding and subtracting decimalsView all 2 pages

    Decimal word Problems: Add, Subtract, sheet B

    Solving word problems by adding and subtracting decimals

    Answer key on page 2

    US LetterPDFA4PDF

    2 pages55 KB

  • Preview of the printable “Decimal word Problems: Add, Subtract, sheet C” worksheet: solving word problems by adding and subtracting decimalsView all 2 pages

    Decimal word Problems: Add, Subtract, sheet C

    Solving word problems by adding and subtracting decimals

    Answer key on page 2

    US LetterPDFA4PDF

    2 pages55 KB

Print at 100% (actual size) for the cleanest tracing lines.

About these adding and subtracting decimals worksheets

Adding and subtracting decimals works just like whole numbers once the decimal points are lined up. Lining up the points lines up the places, so tenths are added to tenths and hundredths to hundredths. When one number has fewer places, write zeros to fill them: 5.6 − 2.35 becomes 5.60 − 2.35.

Fifth graders model decimal sums and differences first, then use the written method. A hundredths grid makes 0.35 + 0.4 visible as 35 squares and 40 more squares, and shows why 0.4 is not 0.04.

These pages start with a how-to page and hundredths grid models, then column practice for adding, subtracting, subtracting with zeros and thousandths, a line-up-the-points page, and word problems with money and measurements. Every page has an answer key on page 2.

Standards

  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.B.7Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals to hundredths, using concrete models or drawings and strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction; relate the strategy to a written method and explain the reasoning used.

How to use them

  1. Start with How to Add and Subtract Decimals.
  2. Use the grid pages so children see the size of each number.
  3. Move to the column pages, where the points are lined up for you.
  4. Then use Line Up the Decimal Points, where children write the problem in the grid themselves.
  5. Finish with the word problems.

Teaching tips

  • Line up the points, not the last digits. 12.5 + 3.75 lines up the 5 tenths with the 7 tenths.
  • Write zeros in empty places before subtracting: 8.3 − 2.47 becomes 8.30 − 2.47.
  • Bring the decimal point straight down into the answer.
  • Estimate first: 12.5 + 3.75 is about 13 + 4 = 17.

Questions teachers and parents ask

How do you add decimals?

Write the numbers so the decimal points line up, fill any empty places with zeros, add as with whole numbers and bring the point straight down.

Why do you add zeros when subtracting decimals?

So both numbers have the same number of places. 5.6 is the same as 5.60, and the 0 gives you a hundredths digit to subtract from.

What decimals do 5th graders add and subtract?

Decimals to hundredths in the standard; these pages also include some thousandths for extra practice.