Adding up to 4-digit numbers together

Adding larger numbers in your head is not always easy.

If you need to use pen and paper, then the column method is a good way to add.

It involves writing one number beneath the other, so that the digits line up for each place value.

You then add the digits, starting from the ones column on the right-hand side.

Complete this quiz to understand how to add up to 4-digit numbers together. Then put your knowledge to the test.

Let's look at a question.

What is 152 add 816?

This is quite difficult to work out in your head, so let's use column addition.

Column addition with regrouping

If the two numbers in a place value column add up to ten or more, you must regroup.

This means breaking a number up into tens and ones, or hundreds and tens to help with the addition.

Let's look at another question.

What is 343 + 329?

Adding 4-digit numbers

If you can add two 3-digit numbers, then you can use the same method to add 4-digit numbers together.

Just remember to add on the number that you have regrouped.

What is 4214 + 3936?

Remember

Here are a few reminders for adding larger numbers together.

1. When writing numbers for an addition, check the place value of each digit, so you see the value of the ones, tens, hundreds and thousands.

2. Write the numbers in a column and always start adding the ones first.

3. Estimate first and check afterwards - it's a good idea to estimate a rough answer and then check your actual answer.

4. Order doesn't matter - for example, 345 + 129 is the same as 129 + 345.

5. Look out for these key words in problems: 'total', 'sum', 'altogether', 'more'. They all indicate an addition calculation.

6. Regrouping is important – remember that if the column sum is equal to ten or more, you must regroup.