Skip to content
MeerkatSkool Afrikaans
Summaries · Grade 5 Maths › Addition and subtraction
Free summary · Grade 5 Maths

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.

Know it already? Jump straight to the quiz

Your progress0 of 3

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.

Bigger numbers work the same way, column by column: 34 587 + 28 965 = 63 552.

Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Columns: subtraction

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

Rule

Borrowing across a zero: 7 302 − 2 865. 2 − 5 won’t go and the tens digit is 0, so first borrow from the hundreds: 3 hundreds become 2 and the tens become 10. Now borrow 1 ten: tens 9, units 12. 12 − 5 = 7; 9 − 6 = 3; hundreds 2 − 8 won’t go, so borrow a thousand: 12 − 8 = 4; thousands 6 − 2 = 4. Answer: 4 437.

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−
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Smart techniques

  • Estimate first: 24 870 + 13 150 ≈ 25 000 + 13 000 = 38 000.
  • Add and subtract in columns: write units under units, tens under tens.
  • Compensate: 5 236 − 998 = 5 236 − 1 000 + 2 = 4 238.
  • Check with the inverse operation: 4 238 + 998 = 5 236.
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

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.

    Now the real quiz!

    The quiz has many more questions on this topic. Every question shows straight away whether you are right and explains why.

    Take the quiz: Addition and subtraction
    Practise it step by step: Extra Maths ClassAll Grade 5 Maths summaries
    For parents
    • Let your child work the examples on paper and explain them to you.
    • The ticks (“I know this”) are saved on this device only. We never ask for names or emails.

    Follows CAPS for Grade 5 Mathematics. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.

    Free PDF