Taking away big numbers
To subtract numbers up to 10 000, line up the digits and take away from the right. If the top digit is too small, borrow from the next column.
Key idea
Subtract each column from right to left. If you cannot take away, borrow 10 from the column on the left.
Worked example
Worked example
Work out 5 678 − 1 234.
Ones: 8 − 4 = 4
Tens: 7 − 3 = 4
Hundreds: 6 − 2 = 4
Thousands: 5 − 1 = 4
So 5 678 − 1 234 = 4 444.
Checking your answer
You can check by adding back: 4 444 + 1 234 = 5 678. Correct! Adding back is a quick way to be sure.
Remember
- Line up the digits by place value.
- Start from the ones (right side).
- Borrow 10 when the top digit is too small.