Mastering Basic Decimal Operations
- Walter Education
- Jul 11
- 1 min read
Updated: Aug 9


DECIMAL ADDITION
Steps:
Align the decimal points vertically
Add from right to left (hundredths → tenths → ones)
Carry over when any column sums to 10 or more.
DECIMAL SUBTRACTION
Steps:
Align the decimal points
Subtract right to left (hundredths → tenths → ones)
Borrow when needed (top digit < bottom digit)
DECIMAL MULTIPLICATION
Steps:
Multiply normally (ignore decimals at first): 436 × 19
Count total decimal places in factors: 2 (from 4.36) + 1 (from 1.9) = 3
Place decimal in product to have 3 decimal places
DECIMAL DIVISION
Step-by-Step Solution:
Make the divisor a whole number:
Multiply both numbers by 10: 128 ÷ 4
Long division: Final answer: 32
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
✖ Forgetting to adjust both numbers
✖ Misplacing the decimal point
✖ Incorrect subtraction in long division

Download free Decimal operation poster here.