5.2.2

Written Methods for Subtracting Large Numbers

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Subtracting Numbers with More than 4 Digits

When subtracting larger numbers, you use written methods to show your workings. You should use the column method for subtracting. You use the column method slightly differently when subtracting.

Column method

Column method

  • Line up the place value in the two numbers you are trying to subtract.
    • I'm trying to do 7,401 − 3,111 here.
Start at the 'ones'

Start at the 'ones'

  • Start by subtracting from the 'ones' column.
    • The 'ones' column has the calculation 2 − 1 = 1.
Next, you subtract the 'tens'

Next, you subtract the 'tens'

  • Next, you move to the 'tens' column.
    • The 'tens' column has the calculation 0 − 1.
    • You cannot write the answer to 0 − 1 in the column.
    • You need to use 'borrowing' to find your answer.
Borrowing

Borrowing

  • 'Borrowing' is when you borrow 1 from the next biggest column.
    • In this example, you need to borrow 1 'hundred' from 4 'hundreds'.
    • Borrowing 1 'hundred' from 4 'hundreds' leaves you with 3 'hundreds' and 10 'tens'.
After you've 'borrowed'

After you've 'borrowed'

  • Now you can complete the subtraction in the 'tens' column.
    • The 'tens' column now has the calculation 10 − 1 = 9.
Now subtract the 'hundreds'

Now subtract the 'hundreds'

  • Next, subtract from the 'hundreds' column.
    • The 'hundreds' column has the calculation 3 − 1 = 2.
    • The calculation in the 'hundreds' column is 3 − 1 and NOT 4 − 1.
Lastly, subtract the 'thousands'

Lastly, subtract the 'thousands'

  • Finally, subtract from the 'thousands' column.
    • The 'thousands' column has the calculation 7 − 3 = 4.
Jump to other topics
1

Year 3 - Number

1.1

Number & Place Value

1.1.1Multiples1.1.2Counting in Multiples1.1.3Recognising Three-Digit Numbers1.1.4Finding 10 More or Less than a Number1.1.5Finding 100 More or Less than a Number1.1.6Ordering & Comparing Numbers up to 1,0001.1.7Writing & Reading Numbers1.1.8Representing Numbers
1.2

Addition & Subtraction

1.2.1Mental Addition & Subtraction1.2.2Column Method1.2.3Estimating Calculations1.2.4Inverse Operations1.2.5Missing Number Problems1.2.6Real-Life Problems
1.3

Multiplication & Division

1.3.1Times Tables1.3.2Using Times Tables1.3.3Multiplying Numbers1.3.4Missing Number Problems1.3.5Real-Life Problems
1.4

Fractions

1.4.1Tenths1.4.2Fractions1.4.3Fractions Equal to a Whole1.4.4Equivalent Fractions1.4.5Fractions of Shapes1.4.6Fractions of Amounts1.4.7Add & Subtract Fractions1.4.8Compare & Order Fractions
2

Year 3 - Measurement

2.1

Length

2.1.1Length2.1.2Comparing Lengths2.1.3Add & Subtract Lengths2.1.4Perimeter
2.2

Mass

2.2.1Mass2.2.2Comparing Masses2.2.3Add & Subtract Masses
2.3

Volume & Capacity

2.3.1Volume & Capacity2.3.2Comparing Volumes2.3.3Add & Subtract Volumes
2.4

Money

2.4.1Money2.4.2Counting Money2.4.3Adding & Subtracting Money
2.5

Time

2.5.1Units of Time2.5.2Clocks2.5.3Telling the Time2.5.4Time of the Day2.5.512-Hour & 24-Hour Clocks2.5.6Measuring Time
3

Year 3 - Geometry

3.1

Angles

3.1.1Angles in Degrees3.1.2Types of Angle
3.2

Properties of Shapes

3.2.12D Shapes3.2.23D Shapes
3.3

Straight Lines

3.3.1Straight Lines3.3.2Parallel & Perpendicular Lines
4

Year 3 - Statistics

4.1

Statistics

4.1.1Statistics4.1.2Pictograms & Bar Charts
5

Year 4 - Number

5.1

Number & Place Value

5.1.1Counting in Multiples5.1.2Recognising Four Digit Numbers5.1.3Find 1,000 More or Less than a Number5.1.4Negative Numbers5.1.5Ordering & Comparing Numbers Over 1,0005.1.6Representing Numbers5.1.7Rounding Numbers5.1.8Roman Numerals
5.2

Addition & Subtraction

5.2.1Written Methods for Adding Large Numbers5.2.2Written Methods for Subtracting Large Numbers5.2.3Estimation & Inverse Operations5.2.4Solving Two-Step Problems
5.3

Multiplication & Division

5.3.1Times Tables5.3.2Using Times Tables5.3.3Multiplication Rules5.3.4Column Method5.3.5Factors
5.4

Fractions & Decimals

5.4.1Identifying Equivalent Fractions5.4.2Adding & Subtracting Fractions5.4.3Hundredths5.4.4Decimals5.4.5Converting Between Decimals & Fractions5.4.6Rounding Decimals5.4.7Ordering Decimals
6

Year 4 - Measurement

6.1

Units

6.1.1Metric Measurements6.1.2Adding & Subtracting Money
6.2

Time

6.2.1Converting Units of Time6.2.2Changing the 12-Hour Clock to the 24-Hour Clock6.2.3Changing the 24-hour Clock to the 12-Hour Clock
7

Year 4 - Geometry

7.1

Properties of Shapes

7.1.1Symmetry7.1.2Types of Triangle7.1.3Quadrilaterals
7.2

Perimeter & Area

7.2.1Perimeter7.2.2Area
7.3

Position & Direction

7.3.1Coordinates7.3.2Translation
8

Year 4 - Statistics

8.1

Statistics

8.1.1Types of Data8.1.2Pictograms & Bar Charts8.1.3Line Graphs

Practice questions on Written Methods for Subtracting Large Numbers

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  1. 1
    What number goes into the 'hundreds' column in this calculation?Multiple choice
  2. 2
    What number goes into the 'tens' column in this calculation?Multiple choice
  3. 3
    What number goes into the 'tens' column in this calculation?Multiple choice
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Written Methods for Adding Large Numbers

Estimation & Inverse Operations