How to Find the Missing Minuend or Subtrahend in Decimal Subtraction
FAQs on Class 6 Maths Worksheet: Subtracting Decimals with Missing Numbers
1. How do you find a missing minuend in a decimal subtraction?
To find the missing minuend in a decimal subtraction problem, you must add the difference to the subtrahend. This reverse operation helps you find the original number you started with.
- Rule: Missing Minuend = Subtrahend + Difference.
- Example: In the problem ___ - 3.5 = 6.2, you find the missing minuend by adding 3.5 + 6.2.
- Solution: The missing minuend is 9.7.
2. What is the rule for finding a missing subtrahend in a decimal problem?
The rule for finding a missing subtrahend is to subtract the difference from the original minuend. This calculation will reveal the number that was taken away.
- Rule: Missing Subtrahend = Minuend - Difference.
- Example: In the problem 12.8 - ___ = 5.3, you find the missing subtrahend by subtracting 5.3 from 12.8.
- Solution: The missing subtrahend is 7.5.
3. What is a minuend and subtrahend in decimals?
In any subtraction equation, the minuend is the number being subtracted from, and the subtrahend is the number being subtracted. This concept is the same for both whole numbers and decimals.
- Minuend: The first number in a subtraction problem (the larger amount). Example: In 8.75 - 2.25 = 6.50, the minuend is 8.75.
- Subtrahend: The number that is being taken away from the minuend. Example: In 8.75 - 2.25 = 6.50, the subtrahend is 2.25.
- Difference: The result or answer of the subtraction.
4. How can this Class 6 Maths worksheet help with decimal subtraction?
This worksheet provides targeted practice on a key area of decimal subtraction, helping students master finding unknown values in an equation. It is designed to reinforce concepts taught in the Class 6 Maths syllabus.
- It builds skills in finding the missing minuend and subtrahend.
- It strengthens understanding of decimal place value and aligning decimal points.
- The included answer key allows for self-assessment and error correction.
- It serves as an excellent tool for exam revision and homework practice.
5. Why is it important to align decimal points when subtracting decimals?
Aligning decimal points vertically is the most crucial step in decimal subtraction because it ensures that you are subtracting digits with the same place value. Misalignment is a common source of errors in decimal problems.
- It correctly lines up the ones, tenths, hundredths, and so on.
- For example, to solve 15.6 - 4.32, you align the points and add a zero to 15.6, making it 15.60.
- This prevents incorrect calculations like subtracting hundredths from tenths.
6. Is this missing number decimal worksheet suitable for CBSE and NCERT students?
Yes, this worksheet is perfectly suitable for students following the CBSE and NCERT curriculum for Class 6 Maths. The problems are designed to align with the learning objectives for the 'Decimals' chapter.
- It covers the core concept of subtracting decimals and solving for unknowns.
- The format is ideal for practice before school exams.
- It can be used as a supplementary resource for at-home learning.
7. What is the first step to solve a problem like '___ - 12.5 = 7.2'?
The first step is to identify which part of the subtraction equation is missing. In this problem, the missing number is the minuend (the number you start with).
- Step 1: Identify the missing part (Minuend).
- Step 2: Recall the rule: To find the minuend, add the subtrahend and the difference.
- Step 3: Perform the calculation: 12.5 + 7.2 = 19.7.
- Step 4: The missing number is 19.7.
8. How do you solve for a missing value in a problem like '25.9 - ___ = 10.4'?
To solve for the missing value in this problem, you first need to recognize that the subtrahend is missing. The rule is to subtract the difference from the minuend.
- Step 1: Identify the missing part (Subtrahend).
- Step 2: Recall the rule: To find the subtrahend, subtract the difference from the minuend.
- Step 3: Perform the calculation: 25.9 - 10.4 = 15.5.
- Step 4: The missing value is 15.5.
9. Does this free decimal worksheet PDF come with an answer key?
Yes, a detailed answer key is included with this free downloadable PDF worksheet. The answer key helps students and parents to easily verify the solutions for all the problems.
- It allows for immediate feedback and self-correction.
- Parents can use it to guide their children without needing to solve every problem themselves.
- It helps in understanding the correct application of the rules for finding the minuend and subtrahend.
10. What skills does solving missing number problems in decimals build?
Solving these problems builds several important mathematical skills beyond simple subtraction. It encourages logical reasoning and a deeper understanding of how numbers and operations are related.
- Numerical Reasoning: It helps students think about the relationship between numbers in an equation.
- Inverse Operations: It reinforces the concept that addition and subtraction are inverse operations.
- Attention to Detail: It requires careful alignment of decimal points and place values.
- Algebraic Thinking: It serves as a foundation for solving simple algebraic equations where you solve for an unknown (like 'x').



















