Introduction to Subtraction

Hello, Year 5! Today we will learn about subtraction with four or more digits. Subtraction means taking one number away from another. When we work with bigger numbers, like those with four digits, we can use some special techniques to help us. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Four-Digit Numbers

A four-digit number looks like this: 4,562. Each digit represents a place value:

  • The first digit (4) is in the thousands place.
  • The second digit (5) is in the hundreds place.
  • The third digit (6) is in the tens place.
  • The fourth digit (2) is in the units (or ones) place.

Subtraction Steps

Example: 4,562 – 2,346

Let’s break it down step by step.

  1. Line Up the Numbers: Write the bigger number on top and the smaller number underneath it, making sure to line up the digits by place value. 4,562 - 2,346
  2. Subtract from Right to Left:
    • Start with the rightmost column (the units place).
    • If you can’t subtract, you need to borrow from the next column to the left.
  3. Borrowing:
    • If the top number is smaller than the bottom number in that column, you need to “borrow” from the next column.
    • For example, in the units place, you have 2 (from 4,562) and need to take away 6 (from 2,346). You can’t do that, so you borrow 1 from the tens place.

Continuing with the Example:

  • After borrowing, the tens place becomes 5 (from 6) and the units place becomes 12 (2 + 10). Now, it looks like this: 4,5(12) - 2,346
  • Now you can subtract:
    • Units place: 12 – 6 = 6
    • Tens place: 5 – 4 = 1
    • Hundreds place: 5 – 3 = 2
    • Thousands place: 4 – 2 = 2

So, 4,562 – 2,346 = 2,216.

Key Rules

  1. Line Up the Numbers: Always line up the digits by place value.
  2. Subtract Right to Left: Start subtracting from the rightmost column.
  3. Borrow When Needed: If the top number is smaller, borrow from the next column.

Tips and Tricks

  • Practice Borrowing: If you’re not sure how to borrow, practice with smaller numbers first!
  • Check Your Work: After you finish, add the answer to the number you subtracted. It should equal the original number.
  • Use a Number Line: If you’re stuck, a number line can help you visualise the subtraction.

Questions

Easy Level Questions

  1. 1,234 – 1,000 =
  2. 2,400 – 1,200 =
  3. 3,250 – 1,000 =
  4. 4,000 – 2,000 =
  5. 5,678 – 2,000 =
  6. 6,100 – 1,100 =
  7. 7,300 – 3,000 =
  8. 8,450 – 4,000 =
  9. 9,600 – 6,000 =
  10. 2,500 – 1,500 =

Medium Level Questions

  1. 3,456 – 1,234 =
  2. 4,982 – 2,345 =
  3. 5,678 – 3,456 =
  4. 6,543 – 2,345 =
  5. 7,890 – 4,321 =
  6. 8,200 – 4,123 =
  7. 9,600 – 5,678 =
  8. 2,345 – 1,200 =
  9. 3,800 – 1,475 =
  10. 4,521 – 2,345 =

Hard Level Questions

  1. 5,678 – 4,321 =
  2. 7,890 – 3,456 =
  3. 9,876 – 5,678 =
  4. 8,900 – 7,345 =
  5. 4,321 – 2,109 =
  6. 5,432 – 2,345 =
  7. 6,543 – 3,210 =
  8. 7,890 – 2,678 =
  9. 9,750 – 8,123 =
  10. 8,888 – 7,777 =

Answers

Easy Level Answers

  1. 234
  2. 1,200
  3. 2,250
  4. 2,000
  5. 3,678
  6. 5,000
  7. 4,300
  8. 4,450
  9. 3,600
  10. 1,000

Medium Level Answers

  1. 2,222
  2. 2,637
  3. 2,222
  4. 4,198
  5. 3,569
  6. 4,077
  7. 3,922
  8. 1,145
  9. 2,325
  10. 2,176

Hard Level Answers

  1. 1,357
  2. 4,434
  3. 4,198
  4. 1,555
  5. 2,212
  6. 3,087
  7. 3,333
  8. 5,212
  9. 1,627
  10. 1,111

I hope this helps you understand subtraction with four or more digits better! Keep practicing, and soon it will be a breeze!