Unit 1 · Standard 6.NS.3
Add and Subtract Decimals
Key Vocabulary Level 1 support
Picture first, then the word, then a plain-language meaning. Say each word out loud.
3.75 means 3 ones + 7 tenths + 5 hundredths — it is between 3 and 4
Decimal
A number with a dot that shows a part between whole numbers.
In 4.38: the 4 = 4 ones, the 3 = 3 tenths (0.3), the 8 = 8 hundredths (0.08)
Place value
What a digit is worth based on where it sits in a number.
0.7 = 7/10 — like 7 slices of a pizza cut into 10 equal slices
Tenths
The first spot after the decimal point. It shows parts out of 10.
0.05 = 5/100 — like 5 pennies out of a dollar (100 pennies)
Hundredths
The second spot after the decimal point. It shows parts out of 100.
15.7 becomes 15.70 so you can subtract 15.70 − 8.36 with aligned place values
Annex zeros
Adding zeros at the end of a decimal so numbers line up evenly.
Key Ideas & Notes
- The space station's main fuel tank reads 128.75 liters.
- A resupply shuttle delivers 46.8 liters of fuel, but the thrusters used 19.35 liters during docking.
- What is the fuel level after both events?
- Plot each decimal on the number line, then find the sum or difference as indicated.
Think About It
- What is the starting fuel amount?
- Which operation adds fuel and which removes fuel?
- Why is it important to line up the decimal points?
My Notes
Guided Examples
Example 1
What is 14.6 + 3.85?
Solution: Line up decimals: 14.60 + 3.85. Hundredths: 0 + 5 = 5. Tenths: 6 + 8 = 14, write 4 carry 1. Ones: 4 + 3 + 1 = 8. Tens: 1. Answer: 18.45.
Answer: A. 18.45
Example 2
What is 20.3 − 7.48?
Solution: Rewrite as 20.30 − 7.48. Annex a zero so both have two decimal places. Work carefully with borrowing: 20.30 − 7.48 = 12.82.
Answer: A. 12.82
Example 3
What is 9.05 + 4.7?
Solution: Line up decimals: 9.05 + 4.70. Hundredths: 5 + 0 = 5. Tenths: 0 + 7 = 7. Ones: 9 + 4 = 13. Answer: 13.75.
Answer: A. 13.75
Write About the Math The Writing Revolution
I can explain my steps using the words decimal, place value, tenths, hundredths, and annex zeros.
1. Kernel Sentence subject + verb
Model: Decimal is a number with a dot that shows a part between whole numbers.Decimal es un número con un punto que muestra una parte entre números enteros.
Write a kernel sentence about decimal. Use a subject and a verb.Escribe una oración base sobre decimal. Usa un sujeto y un verbo.
2. Sentence Expansion because · but · so
Kernel: Decimal matters in mathDecimal importa en matemáticas
Expand the kernel three ways. Add a reason, a contrast, and a result.
Decimal matters in math because ___.Decimal importa en matemáticas porque ___.
Decimal matters in math, but ___.Decimal importa en matemáticas, pero ___.
Decimal matters in math, so ___.Decimal importa en matemáticas, entonces ___.
3. Sentence Types 4 ways to write a math idea
Tell one true fact about decimal.Di un hecho verdadero sobre decimal.
Decimal ___.
Ask a question about decimal.Haz una pregunta sobre decimal.
How does ___ ?¿Cómo ___ ?
Show excitement about decimal.Muestra entusiasmo sobre decimal.
Wow, ___ !¡Guau, ___ !
Tell a partner what to do with decimal.Dile a un compañero qué hacer con decimal.
First, ___ .Primero, ___ .
4. Explain Your Reasoning use a sentence starter
I lined up the ___ so that ___.Alineé los ___ para que ___.
My answer is ___ because ___.Mi respuesta es ___ porque ___.
People use this when ___.La gente usa esto cuando ___.
Try It
Solve on your own. Check the answer key when you are done.
1. What is 50 − 23.47?
- 26.53
- 27.53
- 26.63
- 27.47
2. A student buys items costing $4.59, $12.75, and $3.80. What is the total cost?
- $21.14
- $20.14
- $21.04
- $21.24
Stretch Your Thinking Level 2 enrichment
Challenge task — explain your reasoning in full sentences.
A runner's lap times are 2.45 minutes, 2.6 minutes, and 2.38 minutes. Her personal record is 7.5 minutes total. Did she beat her record? Show all your work with decimal alignment and explain.
Sentence starter: First I lined up the decimals: 2.45 + 2.60 + 2.38 = ___. Compared to 7.50, the runner ___ beat her record because ___.
Reflect — Exit Ticket
What is 32.6 − 14.85?
- 17.75
- 18.75
- 17.85
- 17.25
Answer Key & Teacher Guide
- Try It 1: A. 26.53 — Rewrite 50 as 50.00. Then 50.00 − 23.47 = 26.53. You must borrow across multiple places.
- Try It 2: A. $21.14 — 4.59 + 12.75 + 3.80 = 21.14. Line up decimal points and add column by column.
- Exit Ticket: A. 17.75 — Rewrite as 32.60 − 14.85. Hundredths: 0 − 5 → borrow → 10 − 5 = 5. Tenths: 5 − 8 → borrow → 15 − 8 = 7. Ones: 1 − 4 → borrow → 11 − 4 = 7. Tens: 2 − 1 = 1. Answer: 17.75.
Writing (TWR) — what to look for
- Kernel sentence: A complete sentence needs a subject and a verb. Example: Decimal is a number with a dot that shows a part between whole numbers.
- Expansion: because gives a reason, but shows a contrast or exception, so shows a result. Answers vary; each must keep the kernel idea and add the correct kind of detail.
- Sentence types: Statement ends with a period, question with "?", exclamation with "!", and a command starts with an action verb (a "bossy" verb).