Verified Answer :

  • Align the decimal numbers \(20.4\) and \(7.68\) by padding the first with a zero: \(20.40\) and \(7.68\).
  • Perform column-wise subtraction starting from the hundredths place, borrowing where necessary.
  • Subtract the hundredths (\(10-8=2\)), the tenths (\(13-6=7\)), the units (\(9-7=2\)), and the tens (\(1-0=1\)).
  • The final result is \(\boxed{12.72}\).

Explanation

  1. Setting up the Subtraction Problem

To subtract the decimal numbers \(20.4\) and \(7.68\), we need to align the decimal points to ensure each digit is subtracted from its corresponding place value. Since \(20.4\) has one decimal place and \(7.68\) has two, we can rewrite \(20.4\) as \(20.40\) to make the subtraction process straightforward.

  1. Performing the Subtraction

With the numbers aligned, we perform the subtraction column by column, starting from the rightmost position:
\[ \begin{array}{r} 20.40 \ - 7.68 \\ \end{array} \]
Starting at the hundredths column, we have \(0 - 8\). Since \(0 < 8\), we need to borrow from the tenths column. Borrowing \(0.1\) from the tenths place turns the hundredths place into \(10 - 8 = 2\).

Now, in the tenths column, we had \(4\), but after borrowing, we have \(3\). Since \(3 < 6\), we need to borrow from the units column. Borrowing \(1\) unit turns the tenths place into \(13 - 6 = 7\).

Finally, in the units column, we had \(0\), but after borrowing, we have \(9\) (as we took \(1\) from the \(20\)). So, \(9 - 7 = 2\). The tens column now has \(1\) remaining. Thus, the result is \(12.72\).

  1. Conclusion

By aligning the decimal points and carefully performing the subtraction while accounting for borrowing, we found that \(20.4 - 7.68 = 12.72\). Therefore, the final result is \(\boxed{12.72}\).

Examples

When shopping, you might have a gift card balance of \$20.40 and decide to purchase an item that costs \$7.68. To determine how much balance remains on your card, you perform the subtraction \(20.40 - 7.68\). Understanding how to correctly align and subtract decimal numbers ensures that you can accurately manage your budget and track your expenses in daily life.