Decimals are an important part of Grade 6 Mathematics. Students use decimals when working with money, measurements, weights and everyday calculations.

Learning how to add and subtract decimals becomes much easier when students understand place values and follow the correct steps.

In this guide, we’ll explain decimal place values, addition, subtraction and regrouping with simple examples. At the end, you’ll find practice questions to test your understanding.

1. Grade 6 Decimals: Understanding Decimal Place Values

A decimal is a number that contains a decimal point.

For example, look at 24.56.

• 2 is in the tens place.
• 4 is in the ones place.
• 5 is in the tenths place.
• 6 is in the hundredths place.

Remember:

• The first digit after the decimal point represents tenths.
• The second digit after the decimal point represents hundredths.

For example:

4.5 = 4.50

Adding a zero at the end of a decimal does not change its value.

2. Decimal Addition: Step-by-Step Examples

Adding decimals is easy when you follow three important steps:

1. Write the numbers one below the other.
2. Line up the decimal points.
3. Add each column from right to left.

Example 1: 12.50 + 3.25

Write the numbers with their decimal points aligned:

  12.50
+  3.25
-------
  15.75

Step by step:

• Hundredths: 0 + 5 = 5
• Tenths: 5 + 2 = 7
• Ones: 2 + 3 = 5
• Tens: 1 + 0 = 1

Answer: 15.75

Example 2: 4.36 + 2.41

  4.36
+ 2.41
------
  6.77

• Hundredths: 6 + 1 = 7
• Tenths: 3 + 4 = 7
• Ones: 4 + 2 = 6

Answer: 6.77

3. Decimal Subtraction: Easy Examples

Follow these steps when subtracting decimals:

1. Write the larger number on top.
2. Line up the decimal points.
3. Subtract from right to left.
4. Bring the decimal point straight down.

Example 1: 8.75 − 3.20

  8.75
- 3.20
------
  5.55

• Hundredths: 5 − 0 = 5
• Tenths: 7 − 2 = 5
• Ones: 8 − 3 = 5

Answer: 5.55

4. Grade 6 Decimal Subtraction with Regrouping

Sometimes the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit. In this situation, we need to regroup, which is also called borrowing.

Example: 10.00 − 4.65

  10.00
-  4.65
-------
   5.35

Let’s understand the steps.

• We cannot subtract 5 hundredths from 0 hundredths.
• We regroup from the ones and tens columns to create enough tenths and hundredths.
• After regrouping, subtract each column carefully.

The calculation gives:

10.00 − 4.65 = 5.35

Remember, regrouping allows us to subtract when a digit in the top number is smaller than the digit below it.

5. Common Decimal Addition and Subtraction Mistakes

Students should watch out for these common mistakes:

Mistake 1: Not lining up decimal points

Always write decimal points directly underneath each other.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the decimal point

Bring the decimal point straight down into the answer.

Mistake 3: Confusing tenths and hundredths

Remember that the first digit after the decimal point is tenths, and the second is hundredths.

Mistake 4: Skipping regrouping

When the top digit is smaller, regroup carefully before subtracting.

6. Grade 6 Maths Worksheets: Decimal Practice Questions

Try these questions in your notebook.

Addition

1. 5.25 + 2.30 = ?
2. 6.75 + 1.25 = ?
3. 14.60 + 3.20 = ?

Subtraction

4. 9.80 − 4.50 = ?
5. 12.75 − 5.25 = ?
6. 10.00 − 4.65 = ?

Challenge Question

7. A notebook costs $2.75 and a pencil case costs $4.50. How much do they cost altogether?

7. Answers to Practice Questions

1. 7.55
2. 8.00
3. 17.80
4. 5.30
5. 7.50
6. 5.35
7. $7.25

Try solving the questions yourself before checking the answers.

8. Watch Our Free Grade 6 Decimals Lesson

Would you like to see these calculations explained step by step?

Watch our lesson:

Grade 6 Maths: Decimals Made Easy – Addition and Subtraction

The lesson covers decimal place values, addition, subtraction, regrouping and practice questions.

9. Practise More with SmartStudyNest

Regular practice helps students become more confident in Mathematics.

Explore our Grade 6 Maths worksheets and revision resources at SmartStudyNest:

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You can also explore our Grade 6 Maths practice worksheets:

Grade 6 Maths Practice Worksheets: Topics, Examples and Answers

Keep practising, check your answers and remember to line up your decimal points!

Learn • Practise • Succeed with SmartStudyNest.