1. **State the problem:** Calculate the value of $41 - 2.6$. 2. **Recall the subtraction rule:** When subtracting decimals, align the decimal points and subtract as usual. 3. **Perform the subtraction:** $$41.0 - 2.6 = 38.4$$ 4. **Explain:** We treat $41$ as $41.0$ to align decimal places, then subtract $2.6$ from $41.0$ to get $38.4$. 5. **Final answer:** $38.4$