5.2.1

Written Methods for Adding Large Numbers

Test yourself

Adding Numbers with More than 4 Digits

When adding larger numbers, you use written methods to show your workings. You should use the column method for adding.

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Column method

  • Line up the place value in the two numbers you are trying to add.
    • I'm trying to do 2,376 + 4,452 here.
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Start at the 'ones'

  • Start by adding from the 'ones' column.
    • The 'ones' column has the calculation 6 + 2 = 8.
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Next, you add the 'tens'

  • Next, you move to the 'tens' column.
    • The 'tens' column has the calculation 7 + 5 = 12.
  • You cannot put in 12 'tens' in your answer.
    • You need to place the 2 in the answer for the 'tens' and carry 10 (from the 12) to the 'hundreds' column.
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Next, you add the 'hundreds'

  • Next, you move to the 'hundreds' column.
    • The 'hundreds' column has the calculation 3 + 4 + 1 = 8.
    • Don't forget to add the 1 you carried from the 'tens' column.
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Finally, you add the 'thousands'

  • Finally, you move to the 'thousands' column.
    • The 'thousands' column has the calculation 2 + 4 = 6.

Jump to other topics

1Year 3 - Number

2Year 3 - Measurement

3Year 3 - Geometry

4Year 3 - Statistics

5Year 4 - Number

6Year 4 - Measurement

7Year 4 - Geometry

8Year 4 - Statistics

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