Adding big numbers
To add numbers up to 10 000, line up the digits: ones under ones, tens under tens, and so on. Add from the right and carry when needed.
Key idea
Add each column from right to left. If a column makes 10 or more, carry the extra to the next column.
Worked example
Worked example
Add 3 245 + 2 134.
Ones: 5 + 4 = 9
Tens: 4 + 3 = 7
Hundreds: 2 + 1 = 3
Thousands: 3 + 2 = 5
So 3 245 + 2 134 = 5 379.
A carrying example
2 999 + 1: the ones make 10, so we carry again and again to get 3 000. Always start from the ones!
Remember
- Line up the digits neatly.
- Start adding from the ones (right side).
- Carry the ten to the next column.