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Summaries · Grade 4 Maths › Addition and subtraction
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Addition and subtraction

Adding and subtracting in columns, with carrying and borrowing. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.

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Columns: addition

  1. Write the numbers under each other: U under U, T under T.
  2. Start with the units (right).
  3. If the total is 10 or more, write the units and carry the ten to the next column.
Rule

2 478 + 1 365: 8 + 5 = 13 → write 3, carry 1; 7 + 6 + 1 = 14 → write 4, carry 1; 4 + 3 + 1 = 8; 2 + 1 = 3. Answer: 3 843.

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Columns: subtraction

If the top digit is too small, borrow 1 from the column on the left (it becomes 10 in your column).

Rule

4 352 − 1 728: units 2 − 8 won’t go, so borrow a ten: 12 − 8 = 4. Tens: 4 − 2 = 2 (the 5 became 4). Hundreds: 3 − 7 won’t go, so borrow a thousand: 13 − 7 = 6. Thousands: 3 − 1 = 2 (the 4 became 3). Answer: 2 624.

Meerkat tip

Check subtraction with addition: 5 000 − 1 234 = 3 766, because 3 766 + 1 234 = 5 000.

WordOperation
sum, total, altogether, in all+
difference, less, how many left, how many more−
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Smart techniques

  • Estimate first: 398 + 205 ≈ 400 + 200 = 600.
  • Rounding and compensating: 347 + 199 = 347 + 200 − 1 = 546.
  • Building up and breaking down: 2 345 + 1 432 = (2 000 + 1 000) + (300 + 400) + (40 + 30) + (5 + 2) = 3 777.
  • Check with the inverse operation: 3 777 − 1 432 = 2 345.
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Remember this and test yourself

Remember this: your summary
  • Write digits in their correct columns.
  • Start with the units.
  • Carry when adding; borrow when subtracting.
  • Sum = add; difference = subtract.
  • Check subtraction with addition.

Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.

Memory trick

Start right, end left: units first.

Flash cards · Tap to turn over

Important words

First say the answer yourself, then turn the card over.

Test yourself · Part 2

True or false?

Read the question and the answer. Is the answer right? Tap True or False.

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