Solve Decimal Addition: 10.03 + 5.51

Q: Why do I need to line up the decimal points?

Aligning decimal points ensures each digit stays in its correct place value! The tenths must add to tenths, hundredths to hundredths, just like when adding whole numbers.

Q: What if the decimal numbers have different lengths?

No problem! You can add trailing zeros to make them the same length. For example, treat 10.03 as 10.03 and 5.51 as 5.51 - they're already the same length here.

Q: Do I need to carry over like in regular addition?

Yes! If any column adds up to 10 or more, carry the extra digit to the next column on the left, just like with whole numbers.

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

Easy! The decimal point in your answer goes in the same vertical line as the decimal points you aligned in the problem.

Q: Can I check my answer somehow?

Absolutely! Try adding in reverse order: $ 5.51 + 10.03 $. You should get the same answer: $ 15.54 $ ✓

Q: What if I get confused about which digits to add?

Work one column at a time from right to left! Start with hundredths (3+1), then tenths (0+5), then ones (0+5), then tens (1+0).

Decimal Addition with Place Value Alignment

Solve the following:

$10.03+5.51=$

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve using vertical addition

00:03 Let's write the exercise vertically

00:09 Let's make sure to write properly, decimal point above decimal point

00:13 First, let's add the smallest digits

00:19 Calculate and substitute

00:29 Continue to add, calculate and substitute accordingly

01:00 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve the following:

$10.03+5.51=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

Step 1: Align the numbers by their decimal points.
Step 2: Add the numbers starting from the rightmost digit, moving left.
Step 3: Handle any carryovers properly.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Align the numbers:

10.03
+ 5.51

Step 2: Start adding from the rightmost digit (hundredths):
$\begin{array}{c} & 10.03\\ + & \,5.51\\ \hline & 15.54\\ \end{array}$

Step 3: Add the digits from right to left:
- Hundredths place: $3 + 1 = 4$
- Tenths place: $0 + 5 = 5$
- Whole numbers: $0 + 5 = 5$ , $1 + 0 = 1$

Thus, the sum of $10.03$ and $5.51$ is $\textbf{15.54}$ .

After evaluating the answer choices, the correct answer is choice 3: $\textbf{15.54}$ .

Final Answer

15.54

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Always align decimal points vertically before adding numbers
Technique: Add column by column from right: 3+1=4, 0+5=5
Check: Count decimal places in answer matches longest input ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding without aligning decimal points
Don't add 10.03 + 5.51 as 1003 + 551 = 1554! This ignores decimal placement and gives 1554 instead of 15.54. Always line up decimal points vertically so each digit stays in its correct place value position.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Choose the correct writing form:

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to line up the decimal points?

Aligning decimal points ensures each digit stays in its correct place value! The tenths must add to tenths, hundredths to hundredths, just like when adding whole numbers.

What if the decimal numbers have different lengths?

No problem! You can add trailing zeros to make them the same length. For example, treat 10.03 as 10.03 and 5.51 as 5.51 - they're already the same length here.

Do I need to carry over like in regular addition?

Yes! If any column adds up to 10 or more, carry the extra digit to the next column on the left, just like with whole numbers.

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

Easy! The decimal point in your answer goes in the same vertical line as the decimal points you aligned in the problem.

Can I check my answer somehow?

Absolutely! Try adding in reverse order: $5.51 + 10.03$ . You should get the same answer: $15.54$ ✓

What if I get confused about which digits to add?

Work one column at a time from right to left! Start with hundredths (3+1), then tenths (0+5), then ones (0+5), then tens (1+0).

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Decimal Fractions - Basic questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime