Subtracting Decimals With Base-10 Blocks

By the time students enter 5th grade, they probably understand how to use base-10 blocks to subtract whole numbers. Another way these math manipulatives can be used is to represent decimal subtraction problems. The blocks represent different numbers in this case, but can still be used in the same way. When using base-10 blocks with decimals, the following numbers can be used:

• A flat (100 unit cubes) represents one whole.
• A rod (10 unit cubes) represents one tenth.
• A unit cube represents one hundredth.

This set of teaching slides includes practice opportunities to model decimal subtraction problems with and without grouping. Students will have the opportunity to practice removing and regrouping base-10 blocks to model a variety of subtraction problems. This set of teaching slides does include an interactive component if you wish to use it. Otherwise, students can practice representing each problem on a mini-whiteboard or a piece of paper.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Help students who need help understanding the concepts by providing physical base-10 blocks for students to use. Students can manipulate the materials to model each decimal subtraction problem.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Students who need an additional challenge can use base-10 block drawings to represent more challenging problems.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the Download button to access the editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

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Subtracting Decimals with Base-Ten Blocks – Board Game

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Use this worksheet when teaching your students how to model adding and subtracting decimals with base-10 blocks.

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Decimal Subtraction with Base-Ten Blocks — Differentiated 5th Grade Worksheets

Use these worksheets when teaching your students how to model subtracting decimals with base-10 blocks.