Test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Column Method Addition

The column method can help you add and subtract large numbers or numbers with decimals.

What is 6437.5 + 3256.1?

What is 6437.5 + 3256.1?

  • This is hard to do in your head.
1) Add right hand column

1) Add right hand column

  • Make sure the decimal points of both numbers are lined up so you don't confuse place values.
  • Start adding from the the right hand side.
  • If the sum of a column is less than 10 then write the number under the column.
2) Add 2nd column

2) Add 2nd column

  • Start adding from the RHS and move step by step to the left.
  • If the sum of a column is more than 10 then carry the number in the 'tens' into the next column (in the sum above we carry the 1).
3) Add 3rd column

3) Add 3rd column

  • Because we have carried the 1 over we must include it now in the sum of this column.
  • 3 + 5 + 1 = 9
4) Add 4th column

4) Add 4th column

  • Keep adding columns moving to the left until you reach the end.
5) Add left hand column

5) Add left hand column

  • 6437.5 + 3256.1 = 9693.6
Jump to other topics
1

Number

1.1

Place Value

1.2

Factors & Multiples

1.3

Operations

1.4

Fractions, Decimals & Percentages

1.5

Growth & Decay

1.6

Measurements & Units

1.7

Accuracy

2

Algebra

2.1

Introduction to Algebra

2.2

Graphs

2.3

Solving Equations

2.4

Sequences

3

Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change

4

Geometry & Measures

4.1

Introduction to Geometry

4.2

Ruler & Compass Constructions

4.3

Perimeter & Area

4.4

Triangles, Quadrilaterals & Circles

4.5

Transformations

4.6

Triangle Formulae

4.7

3D Shapes

4.8

Vectors

5

Probability

6

Statistics

Practice questions on Addition

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
  2. 2
Answer all questions on Addition

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium