Solving Math Problems: 210.2 - 3.8 - 2 Explained

Jan 18, 2026 by Tim Redaksi 49 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving into a straightforward math problem: 210.2 - 3.8 - 2. This might seem like a simple calculation, but let's break it down to make sure we understand every step. Math can sometimes feel like a puzzle, and the key is to approach it systematically. We'll explore the process, ensuring we don't miss anything and arrive at the correct answer. I want to make sure you guys are totally comfortable with this kind of problem, so we'll go through it nice and easy. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more you work through these examples, the more confident you'll become! So, buckle up, grab a pen and paper (or your calculator!), and let's get started. We'll tackle this calculation methodically, covering subtraction, decimal points, and the order of operations. By the end of this, you'll be able to solve similar problems with ease. This is all about building a solid foundation in math, and with that foundation in place, you'll be able to tackle more complex problems with confidence. Let's start with a cool explanation, we will learn how to solve it and we will see why it's so important.

Understanding the Basics: Subtraction and Decimals

Before we jump into the main problem, let's refresh some essential concepts. We need to remember the fundamentals of subtraction and how to deal with decimal numbers. These are the building blocks that will allow us to confidently solve our initial expression. Subtraction, at its core, is the process of taking away a quantity from another. We start with a larger number and reduce it by the amount we're subtracting. Simple, right? But the devil is in the details, especially when dealing with decimals. Decimals represent fractions of a whole number. The digits to the right of the decimal point represent parts of a whole – tenths, hundredths, thousandths, and so on. Adding and subtracting decimals requires us to pay close attention to the decimal points. When we add or subtract decimals, we must align the decimal points vertically to ensure we're adding or subtracting the correct place values. This alignment is crucial; otherwise, we'll get an incorrect answer. Let's make sure everyone understands, this is critical! So, when working with a problem like 210.2 - 3.8 - 2, we must keep the place values in order. We can avoid common errors by aligning our numbers correctly and double-checking our work. This is the cornerstone of accuracy, and it is a key skill. Understanding this concept will make everything we do in the rest of this article a lot easier. We'll also see that the order we carry out the subtraction steps is essential, and we'll talk about that more later. So, be patient and don't rush; let's slowly build up our confidence. This is something that you will use in life, so it is worthwhile to master it!

Step-by-Step Solution

Now, let's take a look at the step-by-step solution to the given problem. We will work through the math, breaking it down into manageable chunks to ensure we don't miss anything. The goal here is to carefully solve the equation 210.2 - 3.8 - 2. We're going to solve it in steps and explain each one.

First Subtraction: 210.2 - 3.8 First, we need to subtract 3.8 from 210.2. This is the initial step in our calculation. To do this, we'll align the decimal points, which is super important! The proper way to write it is like this:
```
210.2
-  3.8
------
```
Now we subtract, starting from the right. We have 2 - 8. Because we can't subtract 8 from 2 directly, we need to borrow from the tens place. The 0 in the tens place becomes 9, and the 2 in the tenths place becomes 12. Now, 12 - 8 = 4. We place the 4 in the tenths place. Then, 9 - 3 = 6. Finally, we bring down the 21. This gives us 206.4 as a result of the first subtraction. So:
```
210.2
-  3.8
------
206.4
```
Therefore, the result of 210.2 - 3.8 is 206.4.
Second Subtraction: 206.4 - 2 Next, we'll subtract 2 from 206.4. Again, we'll need to align the numbers correctly, making sure the decimal points are in the right position. We can write 2 as 2.0. So, let's align our numbers:
```
206.4
-  2.0
------
```
Subtracting, we get 4 - 0 = 4 in the tenths place. Then, 6 - 2 = 4 in the ones place. Finally, bring down the 0 and the 2. This gives us 204.4. So:
```
206.4
-  2.0
------
204.4
```
Therefore, the result of 206.4 - 2 is 204.4.

The Final Answer

After carrying out both subtraction steps, we have our final answer. The solution to the problem 210.2 - 3.8 - 2 is 204.4. This is the number that remains after subtracting 3.8 from 210.2 and then subtracting 2. We've gone through each step slowly and carefully, making sure we have understood the process. Remember, the key is to stay organized and pay attention to detail, particularly when it comes to decimal points and place values. Math can seem scary at first, but with practice, it becomes much easier and more manageable. Now you've learned how to solve this kind of math problem! Congrats!

Important Considerations and Tips

Let's talk about some vital points to keep in mind and some useful tips. This is where we will emphasize best practices to make sure we can efficiently and accurately solve these types of mathematical problems. Accuracy is the name of the game, so we will look at how to double-check our work and avoid common mistakes.

Order of Operations

While this problem involves only subtraction, let's briefly mention the order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction). Although not directly applicable here, it's a good practice to be aware of the order in which mathematical operations are performed in more complex problems. Since our problem consists only of subtraction, we can solve it from left to right. Understanding this concept ensures that we will perform calculations in the correct sequence, guaranteeing the correct solution. In our problem, there aren't any parentheses or exponents, so we proceed directly with subtraction. When we work with more complex math equations, remember that this order is crucial.

Checking Your Work

It's always a good idea to check your work to make sure you didn't make any errors. There are a few ways to check your answer:

Recalculate: Go through the steps again, very slowly, to see if you get the same answer. Often, errors can be fixed this way. Make sure to double-check that you're lining up your decimal points correctly.
Use a Calculator: Punch the original problem into a calculator. If the answer matches your result, you're likely correct. However, always double-check your method even if the calculator confirms your answer, as the goal is to fully understand the process, not just to find a quick solution.
Reverse the Operations (for Subtraction): To check subtraction, you can add. Add the numbers you subtracted to the answer, and you should get the original number. For our problem, you could add 3.8 and 2 to 204.4, and you should get 210.2. This ensures that your subtraction was accurate.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Let's wrap this up by looking at some common mistakes to avoid:

Incorrect Decimal Alignment: One of the biggest mistakes is failing to line up the decimal points. This is why we have talked about this at length! Always double-check that the decimal points are aligned vertically before subtracting. This ensures that you are subtracting the right values.
Borrowing Errors: When borrowing, double-check that you're decreasing the digit in the tens or hundreds place correctly. Make sure you don't make mistakes when you're borrowing.
Forgetting to Subtract: Make sure you subtract every number in the expression. It can be easy to miss a subtraction, especially in a series of operations.
Rushing: Math requires patience. Don't rush! Take your time, focus on each step, and double-check your work.

Conclusion: Mastering Subtraction with Decimals

So there you have it, folks! We've successfully solved 210.2 - 3.8 - 2, and now, you should be equipped to handle similar problems. We have thoroughly reviewed the solution, making sure every detail is crystal clear. I hope this discussion has been helpful, and you feel more confident about this type of calculation. Remember, practice is the key to mastering any math concept. Keep practicing, and you'll find these problems become easier and more intuitive. Remember the essential things: align your decimal points, perform calculations with care, and always check your results. Keep practicing and keep up the great work. Math can be fun when you break it down into manageable parts. If you have any further questions or if there is any other math topic you want to discuss, feel free to ask! See you next time! You got this!