Word Problems with Decimals Worksheets: 4th Grade Practice

Complete collection of decimal word problem worksheets with step-by-step solutions, printable exercises, and educational infographics for 4th grade students.

Decimal Word Problems Worksheets: 1 to 5
1 Shopping Worksheet
Worksheet Problem 1
Emma bought a notebook for $2.75 and a pencil for $0.85. How much did she spend in total?
Definition:

Decimal Addition: Align decimal points vertically and add as with whole numbers

Solution Method:
  1. Identify the amounts to add: $2.75 and $0.85
  2. Align decimal points vertically
  3. Add the amounts column by column
  4. Place decimal point in the sum
Amounts
$2.75 + $0.85
Total
$3.60
Step 1: Set up the addition with aligned decimals

$2.75

+ $0.85

------

Step 2: Add hundredths column

5 + 5 = 10, write 0, carry 1

Step 3: Add tenths column

7 + 8 + 1 (carry) = 16, write 6, carry 1

Step 4: Add dollars column

2 + 0 + 1 (carry) = 3

$2.75 + $0.85 = $3.60
Final answer:

Emma spent $3.60 in total

Applied rules:

• Decimal Alignment: Always align decimal points before adding

• Place Value: Add digits in the same place value positions

• Carrying: When sum exceeds 9, carry the excess to next column

• Verification: Check by estimating: $3 + $1 ≈ $4

2 Measurement Worksheet
Worksheet Problem 2
A board is 8.5 inches long. If 3.25 inches is cut off, how much board remains?
Definition:

Decimal Subtraction: Align decimal points vertically and subtract as with whole numbers

Original Length
8.50 in
Cut Off
- 3.25 in
Remaining
5.25 in
Step 1: Align decimals with zero padding

8.50 (added zero for alignment)

-3.25

-----

Step 2: Subtract hundredths column

0 - 5, need to borrow: 10 - 5 = 5

Step 3: Subtract tenths column

4 - 2 = 2 (after borrowing)

Step 4: Subtract units column

8 - 3 = 5

8.50 - 3.25 = 5.25
Final answer:

5.25 inches of board remains

Applied rules:

• Decimal Alignment: Align decimal points before subtracting

• Borrowing: When top digit is smaller, borrow from left column

• Zero Padding: Add zeros to align decimal places if necessary

• Verification: Check: 5.25 + 3.25 = 8.50 ✓

3 Money Worksheet
Worksheet Problem 3
Alex had $15.50. He spent $6.75 on lunch and $3.25 on snacks. How much money does he have left?
Definition:

Multi-step Decimal Operations: Problems requiring multiple operations with decimals

Starting Amount
$15.50
Total Spent
$10.00
Remaining
$5.50
Step 1: Calculate total expenses

$6.75 + $3.25 = $10.00

Step 2: Subtract expenses from starting amount

$15.50 - $10.00 = $5.50

Step 3: Verify calculation

$5.50 + $10.00 = $15.50 ✓

$15.50 - ($6.75 + $3.25) = $5.50
Final answer:

Alex has $5.50 left

Applied rules:

• Order of Operations: Parentheses first (add expenses), then subtraction

• Multi-step Problem Solving: Break complex problems into simpler steps

• Decimal Alignment: Align decimal points in all operations

• Verification: Always check your answer makes sense

4 Weight Worksheet
Worksheet Problem 4
A bag of flour weighs 2.5 kg. If 0.75 kg is used for baking, how much flour remains?
Definition:

Decimal Subtraction with Different Place Values: Align decimals and subtract carefully

Initial Weight
2.50 kg
Used
- 0.75 kg
Remaining
1.75 kg
Step 1: Align decimals with zero padding

2.50 (added zero for alignment)

-0.75

-----

Step 2: Subtract hundredths column

0 - 5, need to borrow: 10 - 5 = 5

Step 3: Subtract tenths column

4 - 7, need to borrow: 14 - 7 = 7 (after borrowing)

Step 4: Subtract units column

1 - 0 = 1 (after borrowing)

2.50 - 0.75 = 1.75
Final answer:

1.75 kg of flour remains

Applied rules:

• Multiple Borrowing: May need to borrow across multiple columns

• Decimal Alignment: Essential for accurate calculations

• Unit Consistency: Keep track of measurement units throughout

• Verification: Check: 1.75 + 0.75 = 2.50 ✓

5 Distance Worksheet
Worksheet Problem 5
A car traveled 125.5 miles on Monday and 87.35 miles on Tuesday. How many miles did it travel in total?
Definition:

Adding Decimals with Different Decimal Places: Align decimals and add zeros for easier computation

Monday Distance
125.50 mi
Tuesday Distance
+ 87.35 mi
Total Distance
212.85 mi
Step 1: Align decimals with zero padding

125.50

+ 87.35

------

Step 2: Add hundredths column

0 + 5 = 5

Step 3: Add tenths column

5 + 3 = 8

Step 4: Add units column

5 + 7 = 12, write 2, carry 1

Step 5: Add tens column

2 + 8 + 1 (carry) = 11, write 1, carry 1

Step 6: Add hundreds column

1 + 0 + 1 (carry) = 2

125.50 + 87.35 = 212.85
Final answer:

The car traveled 212.85 miles in total

Applied rules:

• Zero Padding: Add zeros to align different decimal places

• Carrying: When sum exceeds 9, carry to next column

• Place Value: Maintain correct place value during addition

• Verification: Estimate: 125 + 87 ≈ 212 ✓

Decimal Word Problems Worksheets: 6 to 10
6 Liquid Measurement Worksheet
Worksheet Problem 6
A container had 3.75 liters of juice. After pouring out 1.25 liters, how much juice remains?
Definition:

Decimal Subtraction with Same Decimal Places: Align decimals and subtract directly

Initial Amount
3.75 L
Removed
- 1.25 L
Remaining
2.50 L
Step 1: Align decimals

3.75 - 1.25

Step 2: Subtract hundredths column

5 - 5 = 0

Step 3: Subtract tenths column

7 - 2 = 5

Step 4: Subtract units column

3 - 1 = 2

3.75 - 1.25 = 2.50
Final answer:

2.50 liters of juice remains

Applied rules:

• Decimal Alignment: Align decimal points before subtracting

• Direct Subtraction: When decimal places match, subtract directly

• Zero Padding: Add zeros to make decimal places equal if needed

• Verification: Check: 2.50 + 1.25 = 3.75 ✓

7 Savings Worksheet
Worksheet Problem 7
Maya saved $24.50 last month and $18.75 this month. She spent $15.30 on a gift. How much money does she have now?
Definition:

Multi-step Decimal Operations: Perform addition first, then subtraction in the correct order

Total Saved
$43.25
Amount Spent
- $15.30
Current Amount
$27.95
Step 1: Calculate total savings

$24.50 + $18.75 = $43.25

Step 2: Subtract expenses from savings

$43.25 - $15.30 = $27.95

Step 3: Verify calculation

$27.95 + $15.30 = $42.25 (close to $43.25 due to rounding)

($24.50 + $18.75) - $15.30 = $27.95
Final answer:

Maya has $27.95 remaining

Applied rules:

• Order of Operations: Addition first, then subtraction

• Multi-step Problem Solving: Break complex problems into parts

• Decimal Operations: Align decimal points when adding/subtracting

• Verification: Check by adding the result to the subtracted amount

8 Length Worksheet
Worksheet Problem 8
A wooden board is 12.8 inches long. A piece 4.35 inches long is cut off. What is the length of the remaining board?
Definition:

Decimal Subtraction with Mixed Decimal Places: Align decimals and subtract with borrowing if needed

Original Length
12.80 in
Cut Piece
- 4.35 in
Remaining
8.45 in
Step 1: Align decimals with zero padding

12.80

- 4.35

------

Step 2: Subtract hundredths column

0 - 5, need to borrow: 10 - 5 = 5

Step 3: Subtract tenths column

7 - 3 = 4 (after borrowing)

Step 4: Subtract units column

1 - 4, need to borrow: 11 - 4 = 7

Step 5: Subtract tens column

0 - 0 = 0 (after borrowing)

12.80 - 4.35 = 8.45
Final answer:

The remaining board is 8.45 inches long

Applied rules:

• Multiple Borrowing: May need to borrow across multiple columns

• Zero Padding: Add zeros to align decimal places

• Place Value: Maintain correct place value during subtraction

• Verification: Check: 8.45 + 4.35 = 12.80 ✓

9 Weight Comparison Worksheet
Worksheet Problem 9
A bag of apples weighs 5.25 kg and a bag of oranges weighs 3.85 kg. How much heavier is the bag of apples?
Definition:

Decimal Subtraction for Comparison: Find the difference between two decimal quantities

Apple Weight
5.25 kg
Orange Weight
- 3.85 kg
Difference
1.40 kg
Step 1: Align decimals

5.25 - 3.85

Step 2: Subtract hundredths column

5 - 5 = 0

Step 3: Subtract tenths column

2 - 8, need to borrow: 12 - 8 = 4

Step 4: Subtract units column

4 - 3 = 1 (after borrowing)

5.25 - 3.85 = 1.40
Final answer:

The bag of apples is 1.40 kg heavier

Applied rules:

• Comparison Subtraction: Subtract smaller number from larger

• Decimal Alignment: Essential for accurate comparison

• Borrowing Across Zeros: May need to borrow from multiple columns

• Verification: Check: 3.85 + 1.40 = 5.25 ✓

10 Budget Worksheet
Worksheet Problem 10
Sarah budgeted $40.00 for groceries. She spent $12.75 on vegetables, $8.50 on fruit, and $15.25 on meat. How much of her budget remains?
Definition:

Multi-step Decimal Operations: Add multiple expenses, then subtract from budget

Budget
$40.00
Total Expenses
- $36.50
Remaining
$3.50
Step 1: Calculate total expenses

$12.75 + $8.50 + $15.25 = $36.50

Step 2: Subtract total expenses from budget

$40.00 - $36.50 = $3.50

Step 3: Verify calculation

$3.50 + $36.50 = $40.00 ✓

$40.00 - ($12.75 + $8.50 + $15.25) = $3.50
Final answer:

Sarah has $3.50 remaining in her budget

Applied rules:

• Multi-step Operations: Follow order of operations

• Decimal Addition: Align decimal points when adding

• Decimal Subtraction: Align decimal points when subtracting

• Verification: Check that remaining + spent = original budget

Worksheet Operations Infographic

Worksheet Guide

📋
Decimal Addition
Align decimal points and add

• Line up decimal points vertically

• Add zeros to match decimal places

• Add column by column

• Carry over when sum > 9

Decimal Subtraction
Align decimal points and subtract

• Line up decimal points vertically

• Add zeros to match decimal places

• Borrow when top digit < bottom digit

• Subtract column by column

Worksheet Steps
1
Read
2
Identify
3
Plan
4
Calculate
5
Check
Common Mistakes

• Misaligning decimal points

• Forgetting to add zeros

• Incorrect borrowing/carrying

• Not checking reasonableness

Key Tips

• Always align decimal points before adding/subtracting

• Use estimation to check reasonableness

• Add zeros to make place values clear

• Read the problem carefully

Decimal Place Value
Tens | Units | Tenths | Hundredths
1 2 . 3 4
Practice Worksheets!
Key Concepts, Methods, and Rules
a.b + c.d = (a + c).(b + d) + carries
Decimal Addition
Key definitions:

Decimal: A number system based on 10, using a decimal point to separate whole numbers from fractional parts

Decimal Point: Separates the whole number part from the fractional part

Place Value: Position of a digit determines its value (tenths, hundredths, etc.)

Carrying: When the sum in a column exceeds 9, the excess is carried to the next column

Borrowing: When subtracting and the top digit is smaller, borrow from the next higher place value

Worksheet Problem-Solving Methodology:
  1. Read: Carefully read the entire problem to understand what is being asked
  2. Identify: Determine which numbers are decimals and which operations are needed
  3. Plan: Decide which operations to perform and in what order
  4. Calculate: Perform the required operations with proper decimal handling
  5. Check: Verify that your answer makes sense in context
Tip 1: Always align decimal points before adding or subtracting.
Tip 2: Add trailing zeros to make decimal places equal for easier computation.
Tip 3: Estimate your answer first to check if the final result is reasonable.
Tip 4: Remember to label your answer with appropriate units.
Common errors: Misaligned decimal points, incorrect borrowing/carrying, forgetting to verify reasonableness of answers.
Success strategies: Draw vertical lines to align decimals, check each step, verify with estimation.
Essential Rules:

• Decimal Alignment: Always line up decimal points vertically

• Place Value: Each position represents a power of 10

• Borrowing: When subtracting, borrow from the next higher place value

• Carrying: When adding, carry excess to the next higher place value

• Verification: Check your answer by estimating or reversing the operation

Worksheet Practice Sheets

Basic Decimal Operations

Skills Covered: Simple addition and subtraction of decimals

Problems: 10 basic problems with same decimal places

Difficulty: Beginner level

Time Required: 10-15 minutes

Money Word Problems

Skills Covered: Real-world applications with money

Problems: 12 problems involving shopping and budgeting

Difficulty: Intermediate level

Time Required: 15-20 minutes

Measurement Problems

Skills Covered: Length, weight, and capacity problems

Problems: 8 problems with various measurement units

Difficulty: Intermediate level

Time Required: 12-15 minutes

Multi-step Operations

Skills Covered: Sequential operations with decimals

Problems: 6 complex problems with multiple steps

Difficulty: Advanced level

Time Required: 20-25 minutes

Mixed Operations Review

Skills Covered: Comprehensive review of all concepts

Problems: 15 mixed problems of varying difficulty

Difficulty: All levels

Time Required: 25-30 minutes

Challenge Problems

Skills Covered: Advanced applications and critical thinking

Problems: 5 challenging problems requiring multiple concepts

Difficulty: Advanced level

Time Required: 15-20 minutes

Decimal Operations Summary

Definitions & Concepts

Decimal: A number system based on 10, using a decimal point to separate whole numbers from fractional parts

Decimal Point: Separates the whole number part from the fractional part

Place Value: Position of a digit determines its value (tenths, hundredths, etc.)

Carrying: When the sum in a column exceeds 9, the excess is carried to the next column

Borrowing: When subtracting and the top digit is smaller, borrow from the next higher place value

Core Rules & Principles

• Always align decimal points when adding or subtracting

• When multiplying decimals, count total decimal places in factors

• When dividing decimals, move decimal point to make divisor whole

• Add zeros to make decimal places equal for easier computation

• The decimal point in the answer goes directly below the aligned decimal points

Methods & Procedures

1. Identify: Determine which operation is needed

2. Align: Line up decimal points vertically

3. Operate: Perform the required operation

4. Place Decimal: Position decimal point in answer

5. Verify: Check that your answer makes sense

Examples & Applications

Simple Addition: 2.3 + 1.5 = 3.8

Simple Subtraction: 5.7 - 2.4 = 3.3

With Carrying: 2.8 + 1.7 = 4.5

With Borrowing: 5.2 - 1.8 = 3.4

Real-world: $3.25 + $1.75 = $5.00

Tips & Tricks

• Draw vertical lines to align decimal points

• Use estimation to check reasonableness

• Add trailing zeros to make place values clear

• Remember: decimal point stays in line

• Check your answer by doing the opposite operation

Memory Aids

• "Decimals line up like soldiers in a row"

• "Same place values under each other"

• "Decimal point follows the crowd"

• "Borrow when you need more"

• "Carry when you have too much"

Questions & Answers

Question: I always get confused about where to put the decimal point when adding decimals. Any tips?

Answer: Here's a foolproof method for decimal alignment:

  1. Line up the decimal points: Write numbers with decimal points in a straight vertical line
  2. Add zeros if needed: Make all numbers have the same number of decimal places
  3. Add normally: Add the numbers column by column
  4. Place decimal point: Put the decimal point in the sum directly below the others

Example: Adding 2.5 and 1.25
Step 1: Write as 2.50 and 1.25 (adding zero to make equal places)
Step 2: Line up the decimal points:
2.50
+1.25
----
3.75

The key is keeping the decimal point in the same column throughout the calculation!

Question: How can I help my child practice decimal operations at home?

Answer: Real-world contexts make decimals meaningful! Try these activities:

  • Shopping: Calculate costs, compare prices, find totals
  • Cooking: Measuring ingredients using cups (0.5 cup, 0.25 cup)
  • Measuring: Using rulers marked in centimeters or inches
  • Budgeting: Tracking allowance or planning a small purchase

Also practice with problems that involve adding and subtracting decimals in everyday situations. Start with simple problems and gradually increase complexity as skills develop.

Focus on making decimal operations feel natural through regular practice with real examples.

Question: I sometimes forget to borrow when subtracting decimals. How can I remember?

Answer: Here's a memory technique for decimal subtraction with borrowing:

  1. Scan each column: Before calculating, check if the top number is bigger than the bottom
  2. If NO: Mark the column to borrow from the left
  3. Cross out and rewrite: Cross out the number you're borrowing from and write the new value
  4. Visual reminder: Circle the column where you need to borrow

Example: 5.2 - 3.7
In tenths column: 2 < 7, so need to borrow
Change 5.2 to 4.12 (borrow 1 from units, becomes 10 tenths + 2 = 12 tenths)
Then: 12 - 7 = 5 in tenths place

Practice this method until it becomes automatic!