How to Add Decimals

Adding decimals is very similar to adding whole numbers. The key is to line up the decimal points and add the numbers as you would with whole numbers. Here are the steps to add decimals:

Step 1: Line up the decimal points.

Step 2: Add the numbers as if they were whole numbers, starting from the rightmost column.

Step 3: Carry over any extra ones to the next column to the left.

Step 4: Place the decimal point in the answer directly below the decimal points in the numbers being added.

Step 5: If necessary, round the answer to the desired number of decimal places.

Here is an example:

  2.51
+ 1.47
 _____
  3.98

In this example, we lined up the decimal points, added the numbers as if they were whole numbers, carried over the one to the next column, and placed the decimal point in the answer directly below the decimal points in the numbers being added. The final answer is 3.98.