The important thing to remember when
adding or subtracting decimals in a vertical column
is to keep the decimals points in a column one directly
under another. For example
               23.56
                 2.78
           7834.3
          +       .003
 
 

the following is incorrect
                                         23.56
                                         2.78
                                          7834.3
                                        +.003
 

Lets use a whole number example to clarify the
importance of placing digits in the proper place.
If you borrowed American dollars $150.00 from a friend and then
borrowed an additional $12.00 and your friend adds them
together in the following manner
                                                     $150.00
                                                   +$12.00
                                                     $270.00  Your
friend sincerely believes that you owe her $270.
Would you complain or pay up?  Why?   answer
 
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