Subtracting Decimals Worksheet

To subtract decimals, most students jump straight to the traditional subtraction algorithm. They line up the decimal points and subtract the numbers as if they were whole numbers. If the numbers have different numbers of decimal places, zeros are added to the end of the shorter number to align the decimal points. Then, students subtract the numbers and put the decimal point in the correct place based on the original decimal places.

While this is the traditional method, do your students have practice with modeling decimal subtraction problems with base-ten blocks? Just as students learn how to subtract whole numbers with visual models, this also works for decimals.

When using these models, students do have to think about them differently. Let’s take a look at how each block can be used to represent a specific value.

• A flat, sometimes referred to as a hundreds block, represents 1 whole when working with decimals.
• A rod is used to stand for 1 tenth.
• A unit cube is used to represent 1 hundredth.

Teach Starter has created a set of differentiated worksheets for your students to practice subtracting with visual models. The 1-star version (as indicated by a star in the upper right-hand corner) does not involve regrouping. The 2-star version will challenge students to model regrouping with some of the problems.

An answer key is included with your download to make grading fast and easy!  

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

In addition to independent student work time, use this worksheet as an activity for:

• Guided math groups
• Lesson warm-up
• Lesson wrap-up
• Fast finishers 
• Homework assignment
• Whole-class review (via smartboard)

For students who need a bit of a challenge, have them complete the 2-star version of this worksheet. 

If there are students who need additional support, provide base-ten blocks for the students to manipulate. Additionally, this activity can be completed in a small group or 1-on-1 setting. 

🖨️ Easily Download & Print

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete. 

Turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity by printing on cardstock and slipping it into a dry-erase sleeve. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks. 

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher in Florida and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to shorten your lesson planning time:  

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Adding and Subtracting Decimals with Base-10 Blocks – Worksheet

Use this worksheet when teaching your students how to model adding and subtracting decimals with base-10 blocks.

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Decimal Subtraction with Base-Ten Blocks – Match-Up Activity

Use base-ten blocks to model decimal subtraction with this match-up activity.

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Addition and Subtraction with Decimals – Task Cards

Practice adding and subtracting multi-digit decimals with this set of 16 task cards.