Question

How do you simplify `8.13-2.716`?

Answer 1

`5.414` (without using significant figures).

Explanation:

To get the final answer to this answer, simply pull out a calculator and insert the following:

`8.13-2.716=?`

The below steps are very confusing. I will explain them. Refer back the following to understand my reasoning.

`8.130`
-
`2.716`

First off, we can immediately imagine a zero on the end of 8.13. It will help a lot.

Secondly, since we can't subtract `6` from `0` without making it negative, we must borrow a `1` from the `3`. This makes the `0` a `10` and the `3` a `2`.

Third, we can't subtract `7` from `1` either. So we borrow `1` from the `8` to make the `1` an `11`. This makes the `8` a `7` now.

Lastly we take the new numbers and subtract them. From left to right it looks like:

• `7-2=5`

• `11-7=4`

• `2-1=1`

• `10-6=4`

Now we assemble the number again with the decimal. `5.414` is the decimal version.

We have now found the answer to this problem by not using a calculator. Although it sometimes is easiest to use a calculator when doing problems like this. Unless otherwise instructed to not use a calculator, use one to your advantage!

Answer: #5.141