Question

How do you add two decimal numbers together?

Answer 1

To add two decimal numbers together, follow these steps:

1. **Align the Numbers**: Write the numbers one under the other, aligning the decimal points. This helps keep the digits in the correct place value.

2. **Add Zeros if Necessary**: If the numbers have a different number of digits after the decimal point, you can add zeros to the right of the shorter number to make them the same length. For example, if you're adding 2.5 and 3.14, write it as:
```
2.50
+ 3.14
```

3. **Add from Right to Left**: Start adding from the rightmost digit (the first digit after the decimal point), moving to the left. If the sum of a column is 10 or more, carry over the extra value to the next column.

4. **Carry Over if Needed**: If the sum in any column exceeds 9, carry over to the next column to the left.

5. **Write the Decimal Point**: The decimal point in your result will be directly below the decimal points of the numbers being added.

6. **Complete the Addition**: Continue this process for all columns, including the whole number parts.

7. **Write the Final Answer**: Make sure that your final result reflects both the whole number part and the decimal part.

**Example**:
Adding 2.50 and 3.14:
```
2.50
+ 3.14
--------
```
- Start with the rightmost column: 0 + 4 = 4.
- Next, the column before the decimal: 5 + 1 = 6.
- Finally, the leftmost column: 2 + 3 = 5.
So, the final sum is:
```
2.50
+ 3.14
--------
5.64
```

Thus, 2.50 + 3.14 = 5.64.