Adding and subtracting decimals: Class 6 practice
Line up the decimal points (add zeros to make equal decimal places), then add or subtract as with whole numbers. Read the method, follow the three worked examples, then try the six questions.
What you should know first
- Place value
The idea behind adding and subtracting decimals
Line up the decimal points (add zeros to make equal decimal places), then add or subtract as with whole numbers. Money and length problems often use decimals.
Step-by-step method
- Write the numbers with the decimal points in a column.
- Fill empty places with zeros.
- Add or subtract, keeping the point in place.
Worked example 1 (Basic)
Add 46.77 and 8.95.
- Line up the points
- = 55.72
- Answer: 55.72
Worked example 2 (Standard)
Subtract 16.48 from 99.00.
- 99.00 − 16.48
- Answer: 82.52
Worked example 3 (Challenge)
Riya buys items costing ₹9.86, ₹84.90 and ₹4.00. She pays ₹200. How much change does she get?
- Total ₹98.76
- Change ₹101.24
- Answer: ₹101.24
Common mistakes and misconceptions
- Lining up the last digits instead of the points
- Losing the decimal point
Practice questions
- (Basic) Add 9.48 and 2.40.
- (Basic) Add 9.58 and 6.12.
- (Standard) Subtract 66.72 from 93.40.
- (Standard) Subtract 17.80 from 18.93.
- (Challenge) Riya buys items costing ₹66.55, ₹34.00 and ₹0.70. She pays ₹300. How much change does she get?
- (Challenge) Riya buys items costing ₹33.70, ₹56.70 and ₹9.60. She pays ₹200. How much change does she get?
Answer key with full working
- Q1: Line up the points → = 11.88 → Answer: 11.88
- Q2: Line up the points → = 15.70 → Answer: 15.70
- Q3: 93.40 − 66.72 → Answer: 26.68
- Q4: 18.93 − 17.80 → Answer: 1.13
- Q5: Total ₹101.25 → Change ₹198.75 → Answer: ₹198.75
- Q6: Total ₹100.00 → Change ₹100.00 → Answer: ₹100.00
Syllabus note
This skill is listed under "Decimals" for Class 6 in the NCERT/CBSE books. ICSE, IGCSE, IB and state boards may teach it in a different chapter or year.
Answers on this page are generated and automatically re-checked by a second, independent calculation. They have not been reviewed by a teacher — if you spot a problem, tell us on WhatsApp.
Related practice and notes
Frequently asked questions
Which chapter is adding and subtracting decimals in?
"Decimals", Class 6 Maths (NCERT/CBSE). Other boards may place it differently.
How were the answers checked?
Answers on this page are generated and automatically re-checked by a second, independent calculation. They have not been reviewed by a teacher — if you spot a problem, tell us on WhatsApp.