Adding and Subtracting Decimals Word Problem: Step-by-Step Example
22 October 2026
Word problems with decimals can seem tricky at first. When you see amounts of money or measurements, you often need to add or subtract decimals to find the answer.
Here is a clear example to help your child understand how to work through this type of question, just like they might see in the 11+ maths.com uk practice.
Word problem example
Amira buys a sandwich for £2.45 and a drink for £1.30. She pays with a £5 note. How much change does she get?
Step 1: Add the cost of the sandwich and the drink.
£2.45 + £1.30 = £3.75
Step 2: Subtract the total cost from £5.00 to find the change.
£5.00 - £3.75 = £1.25
Key insight: Line up the decimal points when adding or subtracting decimals.
The correct answer is £1.25.
| Item | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Sandwich | 2.45 |
| Drink | 1.30 |
| Total | 3.75 |
| Paid | 5.00 |
| Change | 1.25 |
Now your child can spot when to add and subtract decimals in real-life situations, like shopping or handling change. Similar word problems are ready for extra practice, so your child can build confidence with decimals.
