When Adding and Subtracting Decimals – Start Slowly!

Before diving straight into the algorithm for adding and subtracting decimals, start slowly and review the number concepts your students already know. Research has shown that introducing a new concept is often easier when a prior-knowledge boosting lesson is completed before the initial instruction. That’s where the number line comes in handy!

Your students learned to add and subtract using a number line in the early years. Why not bring that knowledge and confidence to the forefront and stretch it into upper years with a lesson (or two) that reviews those same ideas in the context of decimal operations? This worksheet is the perfect way to do that.

Add and Subtract Decimals on a Number Line Worksheet

This printable worksheet provides your students with the foundational practice they need to launch into working with the addition and subtraction algorithms as applied to decimal fractions. Students are provided with a series of blank number lines and equations requiring the jump strategy to complete. Students will plot the first addend on the number line and use the jump strategy to show addition or subtraction on the number line.

Through this activity, students will build confidence and mathematical skills in working with addition and subtraction of decimals.

Download Your Adding Decimals Worksheet

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This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator.