# How do you simplify 8.13-2.716?

Dec 23, 2016

$5.414$ (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!