Decimal Subtraction: Mastering the Art of Borrowing!

Mathematics Grades 5th Grade 5:28 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to subtract decimals like a pro! This lesson will guide you through the steps, focusing on lining up decimals and using placeholder zeros. Get ready to conquer decimal subtraction!

Video Resource

How to Subtract Decimals | Math with Mr. J

Math with Mr. J

Duration: 5:28
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Lining up decimals
  • Using placeholder zeros
  • Borrowing in decimal subtraction

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to correctly line up decimals when subtracting.
  • Students will be able to use placeholder zeros to aid in subtraction.
  • Students will be able to subtract decimals with borrowing.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing place value and the concept of decimals. Ask students to share real-life examples where they encounter decimals (e.g., money, measurements). Briefly introduce the idea that subtracting decimals is similar to subtracting whole numbers, but with an extra step: lining up the decimals.
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Play the 'How to Subtract Decimals | Math with Mr. J' video. Encourage students to take notes on the steps Mr. J outlines. Pause the video at key points, such as when Mr. J demonstrates lining up decimals and using placeholder zeros, to allow for clarification and questions.
  • Guided Practice (15 mins)
    Work through a few example problems on the board, mirroring the format used in the video. Emphasize the importance of lining up the decimals and using placeholder zeros. Model the borrowing process clearly. Have students actively participate by solving steps on the board or providing answers.
  • Independent Practice (15 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet containing a variety of decimal subtraction problems. Encourage them to use the strategies learned in the video and during guided practice. Circulate the room to provide individual assistance and address any misconceptions.
  • Wrap-up and Review (5 mins)
    Review the key steps for subtracting decimals: lining up decimals, using placeholder zeros, and borrowing when necessary. Ask students to share any challenges they faced and how they overcame them. Preview upcoming lessons on decimal operations.

Interactive Exercises

  • Decimal Dash
    Divide the class into teams. Write decimal subtraction problems on the board. The first team to correctly solve the problem gets a point. The team with the most points at the end wins.
  • Error Analysis
    Present students with completed decimal subtraction problems that contain common errors (e.g., not lining up decimals, forgetting to borrow). Ask students to identify the error and explain how to correct it.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important to line up the decimals when subtracting?
  • How do placeholder zeros help when subtracting decimals?
  • What happens if you forget to borrow when you need to?

Skills Developed

  • Decimal subtraction
  • Problem-solving
  • Place value understanding

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the first step when subtracting decimals?

Correct Answer: Line up the decimals

Question 2:

What do you call the zeros you add to the end of a decimal to help with subtracting?

Correct Answer: Placeholder Zeros

Question 3:

What do you do if the number on top is smaller than the number on the bottom?

Correct Answer: Borrow

Question 4:

What is 10.5 - 2.3?

Correct Answer: 8.2

Question 5:

What is 5.00 - 2.50?

Correct Answer: 2.50

Question 6:

What is 12.75 - 6.25?

Correct Answer: 6.50

Question 7:

Which of these problems is set up correctly for decimal subtraction?

Correct Answer: 12.5 - 3.0

Question 8:

When you subtract, you should bring the decimal _____

Correct Answer: Down

Question 9:

What place value is the 2 in 1.25?

Correct Answer: Tenths

Question 10:

What place value is the 5 in 1.25?

Correct Answer: Hundredths

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

When subtracting decimals, the first thing you should do is _______ up the decimals.

Correct Answer: line

Question 2:

If there's no number above a digit when subtracting, you can add a _______ zero.

Correct Answer: placeholder

Question 3:

When subtracting and the top number is smaller, you need to _______.

Correct Answer: borrow

Question 4:

The answer to a subtraction problem is called the ______.

Correct Answer: difference

Question 5:

12.5 - 2.5 = _____.

Correct Answer: 10

Question 6:

25.75 - 5.25 = _____.

Correct Answer: 20.5

Question 7:

The decimal is to the ______ of the ones place.

Correct Answer: right

Question 8:

Zeros to the right of the decimal do not change the _______.

Correct Answer: value

Question 9:

1.0 - 0.5 = _____.

Correct Answer: 0.5

Question 10:

100.00 - 50.00 = ______.

Correct Answer: 50

Educational Standards

5.N.3.3:Add and subtract fractions with like and unlike denominators, mixed numbers, and decimals, involving money, measurement, geometry, and data. Use various models and efficient strategies, including but not limited to standard algorithms. 5.N.1.2:Read, write, and represent decimals using place value to describe decimal numbers including fractional numbers as small as thousandths and whole numbers up to seven digits.

Teaching Materials

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