26.4 minus 24.5

Lyra Rowan

less than a minute read

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29-09-2024

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Subtracting Decimals: A Simple Guide with Real-World Applications

Subtracting decimals can seem daunting at first, but it's a fundamental skill with practical applications in everyday life. Let's break down the process and explore some real-world examples.

The Problem: 26.4 minus 24.5

Question: What is 26.4 minus 24.5?

Answer: 26.4 - 24.5 = 1.9

This answer was provided by user "K.W." on the educational platform Brainly.

Explanation:

When subtracting decimals, we align the decimal points and then subtract the digits in each place value column. Here's a visual breakdown:

   26.4
 - 24.5
 -------
    1.9

Important Note: In this case, we borrow from the ones place to subtract 5 from 4 in the tenths place.

Real-World Applications

Subtracting decimals is a common task in many situations, including:

• Shopping: Calculating change after a purchase or comparing prices between different products. For example, if an item costs $26.40 and you pay with a $25 bill, you need to subtract to find your change.
• Cooking: Adjusting recipes to different serving sizes. If a recipe calls for 26.4 ounces of flour but you only have 24.5 ounces, you need to subtract to determine how much more flour you need.
• Travel: Calculating distances between locations. For example, you might need to subtract the distances between your starting point and a gas station to determine how much further you need to drive.

Beyond the Basics

Understanding decimal subtraction is essential for more complex mathematical operations, including:

• Algebra: Subtracting decimals is crucial for solving equations involving variables and coefficients.
• Geometry: Calculating the area or perimeter of shapes often involves subtracting decimal values.
• Statistics: Data analysis often requires subtracting decimals to find differences between data points.

Mastering Decimal Subtraction

Practice is key to mastering this skill. Start with simple problems and gradually increase the complexity. There are numerous online resources, worksheets, and apps that can help you practice and improve your understanding.