How to combine decimal terms correctly

Work from left to right. Each positive row adds to the running balance and each negative row subtracts from it. The table above makes that balance visible after every step.

Why the balance strip helps

The strip compares the total amount added with the total amount removed. That makes it easier to see whether the final answer stays positive, becomes negative, or lands near zero.

Typical use cases

Use this for signed money changes, temperature differences, inventory adjustments, and worksheet exercises that mix decimal additions and subtractions in one expression.