Decimal Addition Problem: Solve 5.4 + 3.22

Decimal Addition with Different Place Values

Choose the correct answer to the following exercise:

5.4+3.22

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:06 Let's solve this problem together.
00:09 First, put zero in the right spot. Then add the decimal point where it belongs.
00:14 Next, connect the points correctly, and then add the final touches.
00:24 Great job! And that's how we solve this question.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Choose the correct answer to the following exercise:

5.4+3.22

2

Step-by-step solution

To avoid confusion, we will first add the digit 0 to the number 5.4 as follows:

5.40+3.22 5.40\\+3.22\\

Now let's solve the exercise in order:

We'll add the hundredths after the decimal point:

0+2=2 0+2=2

We'll then add the tenths after the decimal point:

4+2=6 4+2=6

Finally, we'll add the whole numbers before the decimal point:

5+3=8 5+3=8

Finally, simply solve the addition as follows:

5.40+3.228.62 5.40\\+3.22\\8.62

3

Final Answer

8.62

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Alignment Rule: Line up decimal points vertically before adding
  • Technique: Add zeros as placeholders: 5.4 becomes 5.40
  • Check: Count decimal places: 5.40 + 3.22 = 8.62 has 2 places ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding decimals without proper alignment
    Don't line up the rightmost digits like 5.4 + 3.22 = 8.26! This ignores place value and gives wrong results. Always align decimal points vertically so tenths add to tenths and hundredths add to hundredths.

Practice Quiz

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FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to add a zero to 5.4?

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Adding zero makes 5.40 helps you see that the hundredths place is empty. This prevents mistakes when adding column by column and ensures proper alignment with 3.22.

What if the decimals have different numbers of digits?

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No problem! Just add zeros to make them the same length. For example, 2.5 + 1.234 becomes 2.500 + 1.234 for easier calculation.

How do I know where to put the decimal point in my answer?

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The decimal point in your answer goes directly below the decimal points in the problem. When properly aligned, it lines up automatically!

Can I add decimals from left to right instead?

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It's better to add from right to left (like whole numbers) so you can carry over properly if any column sum is 10 or more.

What if my answer ends in zero?

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Keep the zero if it's in a decimal place that was in the original problem. For 5.40+3.22=8.62 5.40 + 3.22 = 8.62 , we keep both decimal places.

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