To subtract two decimals accurately, what must you ensure?

To subtract two decimals accurately, what must you ensure?

• A. The smaller number is subtracted from the larger
• B. The decimal points are aligned
• C. You have the same number of digits
• D. Zeros are ignored

Answer: (B)

To subtract two decimals accurately, it is essential to ensure that the decimal points are aligned. This alignment allows you to properly position the digits of each number according to their place value, which is crucial in performing the subtraction correctly. When the decimal points are aligned vertically, each digit corresponds to the appropriate place value, making it straightforward to subtract each digit starting from the rightmost side, just as you would do with whole numbers. If the decimal points are not aligned, it may lead to incorrect results because digits may be inaccurately combined across different place values. The other options do not ensure accuracy in decimal subtraction. For example, subtracting the smaller number from the larger number does not guarantee correct subtraction; it only affects the sign of the result. Having the same number of digits is not necessary as well, since decimals can vary in length, and ignoring zeros could lead to significant numerical errors. Thus, aligning the decimal points is the key requirement for accurate decimal subtraction.

To subtract two decimals accurately, it is essential to ensure that the decimal points are aligned. This alignment allows you to properly position the digits of each number according to their place value, which is crucial in performing the subtraction correctly.

When the decimal points are aligned vertically, each digit corresponds to the appropriate place value, making it straightforward to subtract each digit starting from the rightmost side, just as you would do with whole numbers. If the decimal points are not aligned, it may lead to incorrect results because digits may be inaccurately combined across different place values.

The other options do not ensure accuracy in decimal subtraction. For example, subtracting the smaller number from the larger number does not guarantee correct subtraction; it only affects the sign of the result. Having the same number of digits is not necessary as well, since decimals can vary in length, and ignoring zeros could lead to significant numerical errors. Thus, aligning the decimal points is the key requirement for accurate decimal subtraction.