What method can be used to adjust decimals for addition or subtraction?

What method can be used to adjust decimals for addition or subtraction?

• A. Ignore any trailing zeros
• B. Write zeros as placeholders
• C. Round them to whole numbers
• D. Add them together as they are

Answer: (B)

Using zeros as placeholders is a fundamental method when adjusting decimals for addition or subtraction. This technique ensures that each decimal number aligns correctly with its corresponding place value, making it possible to perform the operation accurately. When adding or subtracting decimals, it's essential to ensure that the numbers are aligned by their decimal points. For instance, if you are adding 2.3 and 1.05, you would typically rewrite 2.3 as 2.30, adding a zero to the end to keep the values aligned. This consistency in place value allows you to easily add the whole numbers and decimal parts together, ensuring that you account for each digit in the correct position. Ignoring trailing zeros or rounding numbers can lead to inaccurate calculations. Additionally, simply adding the numbers without adjusting for their decimal places may not yield an accurate result due to misalignment. Therefore, using zeros as placeholders is vital for maintaining the integrity of the arithmetic operation during addition or subtraction of decimals.

Using zeros as placeholders is a fundamental method when adjusting decimals for addition or subtraction. This technique ensures that each decimal number aligns correctly with its corresponding place value, making it possible to perform the operation accurately.

When adding or subtracting decimals, it's essential to ensure that the numbers are aligned by their decimal points. For instance, if you are adding 2.3 and 1.05, you would typically rewrite 2.3 as 2.30, adding a zero to the end to keep the values aligned. This consistency in place value allows you to easily add the whole numbers and decimal parts together, ensuring that you account for each digit in the correct position.

Ignoring trailing zeros or rounding numbers can lead to inaccurate calculations. Additionally, simply adding the numbers without adjusting for their decimal places may not yield an accurate result due to misalignment. Therefore, using zeros as placeholders is vital for maintaining the integrity of the arithmetic operation during addition or subtraction of decimals.