Subtracting Decimals Worksheets

Start with a worked example on the board, borrowing from the ones into the tenths. Then let students work through the page in fifteen minutes. Hand out the answer key afterward and have them mark each problem with a check or a dot where they borrowed. If you print a second version later in the week, you can see whether the borrowing mistakes are gone.

The method is the same as whole-number subtraction, with one extra habit: keep the decimal point in its column. The part that feels different is borrowing across the point. Children also stumble when the top number has fewer digits after the point, since the bottom looks longer. This skill builds on adding decimals and sets up money change, measurement differences and later work with decimal word problems.

Decimal places offers 1, 2 and 3, and the page starts on 2. Use 1 when students are new to the idea, 3 for stronger classes. Twelve problems fits a student who needs to work slowly. If a child struggles, rewrite one problem with money, like $8.40 minus $3.75, to give the numbers meaning.

Do I borrow across the decimal point?

Yes. The point does not change the rule. If the tenths digit on top is too small, borrow one from the ones place and treat it as ten tenths. Most problems on this page need it.

Can answers be negative here?

No. The larger number sits on top in every problem, so the work stays focused on borrowing and lining up places, and a negative answer would signal a setup error.

What if the numbers look like they have different lengths?

On this page both numbers have the same decimal places, so they line up evenly. If you extend the skill yourself, show kids how to add zeros to fill empty places.