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subtracting decimals

20 questions

3rd - 5th Grade

Other

This free printable subtracting decimals worksheet helps students in Grades 3–5 build accuracy with decimal subtraction through 20 multiple-choice questions. Items include subtracting tenths, hundredths, and thousandths; recognizing equivalent decimals such as 2.5 and 2.5000; identifying the correct subtraction expression; and setting up whole numbers and decimals for proper place-value alignment. Students also solve problems such as 1.8 − 0.9, 0.56 − 0.23, 13.23 − 10.1, and 7 − 5.222, giving them practice with decimal representations that contain different numbers of digits. The worksheet’s answer key supports quick checking, targeted review, and independent practice. Use it for classroom work, homework, intervention, or a focused assessment of decimal subtraction skills.

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Worksheets

subtracting decimals

Total questions: 20

Name
Class
Date
1.

1.8-0.9

a)

0.9

b)

2.7

c)

0.8

d)

2.2

2.

0.56-0.23

a)

0.32

b)

0.45

c)

0.33

d)

1.2

3.

1.24-0.7

a)

0.44

b)

1.4

c)

0.55

d)

0.54

4.
0.835 - 0.423
a)
0.418
b)
0.412
c)
0.512
d)
0.402
5.
0.991 - 0.45
a)
0.641 
b)
0.541
c)
0.551
d)
0.531
6.
  13.23 - 10.1=
a)
54.56
b)
7.56
c)
3.13
d)
3.14
7.
0.835 - 0.423
a)
0.418
b)
0.412
c)
0.512
d)
0.402
8.
Are 2.5 and 2.5000 equivalent?
a)
Yes
b)
No
9.
Find the difference.
10.5
  - .8
a)
9.7
b)
2.5
c)
10.42
d)
11.3
10.

What subtraction problem is set up here?

a)

9.812 - 5

b)

9.812 - .5

c)

9.812 - .005

d)

5 - 9.812

11.

What is the answer to this subtraction problem?

a)

9.813

b)

9.807

c)

9.817

d)

8.197

12.

Which is the correct way to set up the subtraction?

9.812 - 5

a)
b)
c)
d)
13.

Which is the correct way to set up the subtraction?

9.812 - .5

a)
b)
c)
d)
14.

Which is the correct way to set up 7 - 5.222

a)
b)
c)
d)
15.

What is the correct answer?

a)

2.222

b)

2.888

c)

1.888

d)

1.778

16.

What is wrong with this setup?

a)

The decimals are not lined up correctly?

b)

You need to add zeros

c)

The top number is supposed be bigger

d)

There are not the same number of digits

17.

How many times will you need to borrow to do this problem?

a)

0

b)

1

c)

2

d)

4

18.

How many times will you need to borrow to do this problem?

a)

0

b)

1

c)

2

d)

3

19.

How many times will you have to borrow to do this problem?

a)

0

b)

1

c)

2

d)

3

20.

How many times will you need to borrow to do this problem?

a)

0

b)

1

c)

2

d)

3

Answer Key

subtracting decimals

Total questions: 20

1.
a)

0.9

2.
c)

0.33

3.
d)

0.54

4.
b) 0.412
5.
b) 0.541
6.
c) 3.13
7.
b) 0.412
8.
a) Yes
9.
a) 9.7
10.
c)

9.812 - .005

11.
b)

9.807

12.
d)
13.
c)
14.
a)
15.
d)

1.778

16.
c)

The top number is supposed be bigger

17.
b)

1

18.
b)

1

19.
d)

3

20.
a)

0

FAQs

What does this subtracting decimals worksheet help students learn?

This Grade 3–5 worksheet helps students subtract decimals through 20 multiple-choice questions involving tenths, hundredths, and thousandths. Students practice aligning decimal places, interpreting equivalent decimals with trailing zeros, choosing the correct subtraction setup, and finding differences such as 0.835 − 0.423 and 7 − 5.222.

How can I use this worksheet to teach decimal subtraction?

First model how to align decimal points and add zeros when the numbers have different numbers of decimal places, then work through one of the worksheet’s setup questions together. Ask students to explain why 2.5 and 2.5000 represent the same value before assigning the calculation items, and use the multiple-choice options to discuss place-value errors rather than treating them only as wrong answers.

What mistakes should I watch for on this decimal subtraction worksheet?

Watch for students subtracting digits without aligning decimal points, especially in items such as 10.5 − 0.8, 9.812 − 5, and 7 − 5.222. Students may also confuse a missing decimal digit with a different value, fail to recognize equivalent forms such as 2.5 and 2.5000, or select an answer produced by subtracting in the wrong direction.

How do I assign and grade this subtracting decimals worksheet?

The worksheet is available as a printable PDF and as a digital quiz on Wayground, and it includes a complete answer key for all 20 multiple-choice questions. For printable submissions, scan student work with the Wayground for Teachers app to help grade responses efficiently.

How can I differentiate this decimal subtraction worksheet for my students?

In the worksheet’s Advanced Settings, adjust font spacing or choose a larger font size to make the decimal expressions and answer choices easier to read. You can also enable a dyslexia-friendly font or translate the worksheet into another language while keeping the subtraction and place-value practice intact.

Where can I find more free worksheets like this from Wayground?

Wayground offers a comprehensive collection of free printable worksheets and practice problems across subjects, with downloadable PDFs and answer keys to support mastery of essential skills and concepts. Browse more resources at https://wayground.com/en-us/worksheets.