0.7 – 3.4
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To solve the expression (0.7 – 3.4), we start by performing the subtraction:
[
0.7 – 3.4 = -2.7
]
Explanation
When subtracting numbers, especially when dealing with decimals, it’s essential to align the decimal points to ensure accuracy. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the calculation:
- Understanding the Numbers: We have two decimal numbers: (0.7) and (3.4). The number (0.7) is less than (1), while (3.4) is greater than (3). This indicates that we are subtracting a larger number from a smaller one, which will result in a negative value.
- Aligning the Decimals: We can write the numbers in a vertical format to visualize the subtraction:
0.7
- 3.4
To facilitate subtraction, it’s helpful to add a zero to the (0.7) to make it (0.70):
0.70
- 3.40
- Performing the Subtraction: Starting from the rightmost column (the hundredths place):
- In the hundredths place: (0 – 0 = 0)
- In the tenths place: (7 – 4 = 3)
- In the units place, since we cannot subtract (3) from (0), we need to borrow. The (0) in the tenths place effectively becomes (10), making the (0) (of the whole number part) borrow (1), which turns into (10). Therefore, we subtract (3) from (10), giving us (7). Thus, we end up with:
-2.70
- Final Result: The result of the subtraction (0.7 – 3.4) is (-2.7). This negative result indicates that (3.4) is greater than (0.7) by (2.7) units.
In summary, the calculation shows that when you subtract a larger decimal number from a smaller one, the result is negative, which is a fundamental concept in arithmetic.