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Subtracting Decimals: Free Printable Worksheet for Year 5
- ForYear 5
- StageKey Stage 2
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Subtracting Decimals is a free printable maths worksheet for Year 5 (ages 9 to 10). Children subtract decimals by writing zeros as placeholders, so every digit lines up in its correct column. The sums mix whole numbers and decimals, which makes the zeros really matter. It takes about 20 minutes, needs only a pencil, and page 2 gives the grown up notes, help, a stretch idea and the answers.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children meet subtractions that mix whole numbers and decimals, with tenths and hundredths. Some questions include a hint showing how to rewrite the starting number with a decimal point and zeros. Children rewrite each sum in a column, line up the decimal points, fill any gaps with zeros and then subtract. There is space beside each question to write the answer.
- 6.5 - 2.3 = ?
- 8 - 3.6 = ? (write 8 as 8.0)
- 9.4 - 4.75 = ? (write 9.4 as 9.40)
- 12.3 - 5.45 = ? (write 12.3 as 12.30)
- 5 - 1.25 = ? (write 5 as 5.00)
- 10 - 6.7 = ? (write 10 as 10.0)
- 7.2 - 3.08 = ? (write 7.2 as 7.20)
- 4.6 - 2.85 = ? (write 4.6 as 4.60)
A worked example
Work out 15 minus 4.37.
This is a different question from the sheet. It shows two ways to work, and both give the same answer.
Method 1: column subtraction with zeros- Write 15 as 15.00 so both numbers have two decimal places.
- Write 4.37 underneath with the decimal points in a straight line.
- Hundredths: 0 is too small to take away 7, so exchange. Take 1 one from the 5 ones and make 10 tenths. Take 1 tenth and make 10 hundredths. Now 10 minus 7 is 3.
- Tenths: 9 minus 3 is 6. Ones: 4 minus 4 is 0. Tens: 1 minus 0 is 1.
- Write the decimal point straight down in the answer.
- Start at 4.37 and add 0.03 to reach 4.40.
- Add 0.60 to reach 5.
- Add 10 to reach 15.
- Add the jumps: 0.03 and 0.60 and 10 make 10.63.
Ways to make decimals easier to see
Use money
Pounds and pence are decimals children already know. Write prices with two decimal places, such as £3.50, and talk about why the zero is there.
Use squared paper
One digit in each square keeps the columns neat. Draw a bold line for the decimal point so it stands out.
Colour the zeros
Write each placeholder zero in a different colour. Children can see which digits were in the sum and which were added to help.
Check by adding back
Add the answer to the number taken away. If you reach the starting number, the subtraction is right.
Why zeros help when subtracting decimals
A decimal point separates whole numbers from parts of a whole. Digits to the right show tenths, then hundredths. Adding a zero at the end of a decimal does not change its value, so 8 is the same as 8.0 and 8.00. A whole number has a decimal point after its ones digit, even when we do not write it.
When we subtract in columns, each digit must sit above a digit of the same place value. Numbers with different numbers of decimal places can leave gaps. Writing zeros fills those gaps without changing any value. Then tenths are taken from tenths and hundredths from hundredths, and the exchanging works just as it does with whole numbers.
Decimals in everyday life
- There are 100 pence in one pound, so prices in pounds and pence are decimals.
- A metre is 100 centimetres, so a length such as 1.5 metres uses a decimal.
- A kilogram is 1000 grams, and many kitchen scales show parts of a kilogram as decimals.
- A litre is 1000 millilitres, so amounts of liquid can be written as decimals.
- In some countries a comma is used where we use a decimal point.
Skills and curriculum link
- Subtracting decimals
- Place value
- Using zeros as placeholders
- Column subtraction
- Exchanging
- Checking answers
Ideas that help with decimals
- Zeros at the endAdding a zero after the last decimal digit does not change the value. It only helps the columns match.
- The point stays in lineKeep the decimal points directly above each other. The point in the answer goes in the same line.
- Hidden decimal pointA whole number has a decimal point after the ones digit. It is just not written.
- Same place, same columnTenths line up with tenths and hundredths with hundredths. That is why the sum is set out in a column.
Key words
- Decimal pointThe dot that separates whole numbers from parts of a whole.
- TenthsThe first place after the decimal point. It shows how many parts out of ten.
- HundredthsThe second place after the decimal point. It shows how many parts out of one hundred.
- PlaceholderA zero written in an empty place so the digits line up. It does not change the value.
- ExchangeTake one from the next column to the left and make it ten in the column you need.
- DifferenceThe amount between two numbers. You find it by subtracting.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the notes and answers.
- Set a timer for about 20 minutes, or let your child work at their own pace. Read the first question together.
- Ask your child to rewrite the sum in a column with the decimal points lined up, then fill the gaps with zeros.
- Let them subtract one column at a time, then place the decimal point in the answer straight below the others.
- Check with page 2. Ask, "How did you work that out?" Come back another day to redo any that felt tricky.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Use squared paper with one digit in each square, so the decimal points sit directly above each other. Write the zeros in a different colour. Try the first few questions first, then come back to the rest on another day.
To stretch confident children
Make up three subtractions where the answer is 2.5 and check each one by adding back. Then try making one where the starting number is a whole number and the number taken away has two decimal places.
Make it a game
Shop till. Choose two items priced in pounds and pence. Pay with a ten pound note and work out the change using decimal subtraction. Check by counting up from the price to the note. Swap roles as shopper and shopkeeper.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child lines up the numbers on the right edge, so 14 minus 3.2 becomes 14 minus 32 in the columns.
Try thisRewrite 14 as 14.0. Draw a line through the decimal points so they sit in one straight line.
Watch forIn 20.5 minus 7.9, a child sees 5 minus 9 in the tenths and does 9 minus 5 instead.
Try thisRemind them the starting number must stay on top. Exchange from the ones column to make the tenths big enough.
Watch forA child finishes the digits but forgets the decimal point in the answer.
Try thisPlace the point first, straight down from the others. Then fill in the digits.
Talk about it
- Why do we write zeros in the empty places?
- Does adding a zero at the end of a decimal change its value? How do you know?
- Where does the decimal point go in your answer, and why?
- How could you check your answer using addition?
- Where have you seen decimals outside school?
- Which question was trickiest, and what helped you solve it?
Take it off the page
Pretend shop
Set out a few items with price labels in pounds and pence. Take turns paying with a note and working out the change on paper.
Measuring at home
Measure lengths with a ruler or tape measure, in metres or centimetres. Write them as decimals and find the difference between two.
Decimal number line
Draw a number line between two whole numbers and mark tenths. Practise counting up from a decimal to the next whole number.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first question, then let them lead. Praise careful column setting out as much as correct answers. Stop when they tire and come back another day.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task or homework after teaching column subtraction with decimals. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 helps with support and stretch.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider maths plan. It pairs well with real life money and measuring. Reuse it for brothers and sisters, or for revision a few weeks later.
Where this skill fits
Before this, children learn place value with tenths and hundredths, and subtract whole numbers using exchange. They also add decimals, using the same idea of lining up the decimal points. Knowing that tenths and hundredths are parts of a whole helps the zeros make sense.
After this, children subtract decimals in longer numbers and in word problems about money and measures. They go on to work with more decimal places, and to choose the best method for a calculation. Checking answers by adding back stays useful all the way through.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Subtracting Decimals for?
It is written for Year 5 (ages 9 to 10), in Key Stage 2. Children in Year 4 or Year 6 may also find it useful, depending on how confident they are with decimals and column subtraction.
- What will children practise?
Children practise subtracting decimals by writing zeros as placeholders so the digits line up. They work with whole numbers and decimals, use place value, and rewrite each sum in a column before subtracting.
- How long does it take?
It takes about 20 minutes. Some children will finish sooner and others will need longer. Page 2 gives ideas for making it shorter with support, or longer with the stretch task.
- What if it feels too hard?
Use squared paper with one digit in each square, so the decimal points sit directly above each other. Colour the placeholder zeros. Try the first few questions, then come back to the rest on another day.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or revision, and black and white printing on plain A4 paper works well.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 has help, a stretch idea and the answers.
- Is this a screen free activity?
Yes. It needs only paper and a pencil, so it suits quiet time, rainy days and school holidays. Working by hand also lets children set out their columns carefully and show their thinking.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.