Add or subtract as indicated. 345.1 - 56.31

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the operation to perform, which is subtraction: \$345.1 - 56.31$.
2. Align the numbers by their decimal points to ensure correct subtraction:
3. \(\begin{array}{r} 345.10 \\ -56.31 \end{array}\)
4. Subtract the digits starting from the rightmost decimal place, borrowing if necessary.
5. Write down the result of each column subtraction to find the final difference.

Key Concepts

Decimal Subtraction

Decimal subtraction involves subtracting numbers that have digits after the decimal point. It requires aligning the decimal points vertically to ensure digits of the same place value are subtracted correctly.

Place Value Alignment

When performing operations with decimals, it is essential to line up the decimal points so that digits in the same place value (ones, tenths, hundredths) are in the same column. This prevents errors in calculation.

Borrowing in Subtraction

Borrowing is a technique used when subtracting a larger digit from a smaller one in a given place value. It involves taking one unit from the next higher place value to make subtraction possible.