Add more than 4-digits together - Maths - Learning with 91�ȱ� Bitesize

Watch: Adding 4 digits

The basic method for adding numbers with 4 digits or more is to use column addition.

Watch this video to remind yourself about how to use column addition to add up numbers with 3 digits. You can use the same technique for bigger numbers.

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Column addition

The column addition method involves writing one number from the sum underneath the other.

Add the numbers, starting from the right.

If the two numbers in a place value column add up to a number greater than 9, you must carry a digit.

Example 1

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What is 34,523 + 3,291? Start from the ones column: 3 + 1 = 4. Place a 4 in the ones column
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In the tens column: 20 + 90 = 110. Place a 1 in the tens column and carry 1 to the hundreds column by placing a 1 below.
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In the hundreds column: 500 + 200 + 100 = 800
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In the thousands column: 4000 + 3000 = 7000
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In the tens of thousands column: 30,000 + 0 = 30,000
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The final sum is 34,523 + 3291 = 37,814

Example 2

Emily thinks that 27,342 + 22,812 = 49,154. Is she correct?

Emily hasn’t shown her working out so use the column method to check her answer.

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What is 27,342 + 22,812? Start from the ones column: 2 + 2 = 4.
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Move to the tens column: 40 + 10 = 50.
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In the hundreds column: 300 + 800 = 1,100. The thousand needs to be carried over into the thousand column.
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In the thousands column: 7,000 + 2,000 + 1,000 = 10,000. The ten thousand needs to be carried over and a zero needs to be placed in the thousands column.
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In the tens of thousands column: 20,000 + 20,000 + 10,000 = 50,000.
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The final sum is 27,342 + 22,812 = 50,154.

Emily answered 49,154 which is incorrect. She had forgotten to carry her thousand and ten thousand over to the correct place value!

Always remember to check your work. Have you added on the carried values?

Checklist

Set the numbers you are adding in columns according to place value.
It doesn't matter which number in the sum goes first. For example, 23,345 + 11,129 is the same as 11,129 + 23,345.
Estimate a rough answer before you start adding.
Start from the right, adding the ones column first.
Key words - look out for these words in problems: total, sum, altogether, more. They all indicate an addition calculation.

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Add numbers with 4 digits or more together

Watch: Adding 4 digits

Column addition

Example 1

Example 2

Checklist

Activity

More on Adding and subtracting