How to Add Decimals for Sixth Grade Math
Adding numbers with decimals is not as complicated as it first appears. The only additional step is aligning the decimal points initially. After that, addition takes the same role as any other number. In the sixth grade, you will likely be adding numbers with two or three decimal places. But whether there is just 1 place or 20 decimals places, the procedure is the same.
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Instructions
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1
Align the decimal places, so they fall on a vertical line. If you have a whole number, you can assume the decimal falls immediately after the number. As an example, 23 and 28.73 would be aligned as:
23.
28.73 +
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2
Add zeros after the number to fill in any blank spaces. This is an optional step, but some people find it helpful in keeping numbers aligned. In the example, it would look like:
23.00
28.73 +
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3
Add columns, just as you would with whole numbers. If you have a column total greater than nine, then carry the first digit to the next column to the left. In the example, 3 plus 8 gives you 11, so you write "1" on the bottom row and place the first "1" above the next column to the left, which is added to that column:
1
23.00
28.73 +
______
51.73
The decimal point is dropped down on the same vertical line as all the other decimal points.
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References
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