1. Decimal Operations

2. Adding Decimal Numbers
When adding decimal numbers you must line up the decimal points in the numbers you are adding as well as in the answer.
Whole numbers are on the left side of the decimal point and fractional numbers are on the right side.

3. Example Find the sum of 2+.07+3.2+.032 (Find the sum tells you to add)
remember you can add
zeros (in red)to even up the
numbers!
5.302

4. Subtracting Decimal Numbers
You must line up the decimal points in the numbers as well as in the answer.
Whole numbers go on the left side of the decimal point and fractional numbers go on the right side of the decimal point.

5. Example Find the difference of 5.36 and .082.
Remember you have nothing
to subtract the two from if you do not add a zero at the top!

6. Multiplying Decimal Numbers
You need to line up the numbers as you normally would for multiplication without trying to line up the decimal points. In other words, disregard the decimal point until you get ready to put it in the answer.
You will need to count the number of digits behind the decimal point in each number multiplied and move the decimal point in the answer that many places from the right of the answer.

7. Example Find the product of 3.2 and .056
Tip: Put the .056 on the top to multiply because it has more digits.
.056 (3 digits behind the decimal)
X (1 digit behind the decimal)
112
1680
.1792 (move the decimal point over four places from the right in the answer)

8. Division of Decimal Numbers
If you are dividing a decimal number by a whole number just bring the decimal point up to the top line and divide as usual.
If you are dividing a decimal number by a decimal number, move the decimal point in the divisor to the right until it is a whole number. You must then move it that many places in the dividend (even if the dividend is a whole number) and bring it up to the line. Then you can just divide as usual.

9. Example Find the quotient of 84 and 2.40.
You would set it up as 84 divided by You would move the decimal point to the right two places in 2.40 to make it You would then move the decimal point two places in 84 to make it Now you have 8400 divided by 240 and can divide as usual to get 35.