What is the result of 21.9 minus 4.65?

To find the result of 21.9 minus 4.65, you start by aligning the numbers vertically based on their decimal points. Subtracting each digit starting from the right will give you the correct answer.

First, subtract the hundredths place:

0 (from 21.9) minus 5 (from 4.65) cannot be done, so you need to borrow. This makes the next digit in the tenths place 8 and adds 10 to the hundredths place turning it into 10. Now you have 10 minus 5, which equals 5.

Next, move to the tenths place:

8 (after borrowing from the ones) minus 6 equals 2.

Lastly, subtract the whole number part:

2 minus 4 can't be done without borrowing again. So you take 1 from the 2 (making it 1) and add 10 to the 2 in the tenths place, turning it into 12. Now you can subtract 4 from 11, leaving you with 1.

Putting it all together, you end up with 17.25. Thus, the correct answer is 17.25. This process underscores the importance of proper borrowing and subtraction