Math · Stage 3
Add and subtract 4-digit numbers with regrouping (column & bar model)
Line the thousands, hundreds, tens and ones up straight — then carry when a column makes ten, and borrow when the top is too small.
✦ Math📘 Stage 3 · S3⏱ ~12 min🧒 Ages 7–8★ Free to start
I can add and subtract 4-digit numbers using column methods with regrouping, and solve word problems with a bar model.
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Kavi's Big Library Count 📚
Kavi is counting the whole library — 2756 picture books and 1468 chapter books 📚! "Numbers this big still add the same way," hoots Kavi. "Stack them so the ones sit under ones, start from the right, and carry whenever a column reaches ten. Let's find the grand total together!"
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What your child will learn
1Line up and carryStack the numbers so ones under ones, tens under tens, and so on. Add from the right. When a column makes 10 or more, write the ones digit and carry 1 to the next column. Tap Step → to watch 2756 + 1468.
2Line up and borrowSubtracting works the same way — start from the ones. If the top digit is smaller than the bottom, borrow 10 from the next column on the left. Tap Step → for the tricky one with zeros: 5204 − 1375.
3Meet the bar modelA bar model is a picture of a word problem. The whole bar sits on top; the two parts fit underneath and must add up to it. Drag the bond to see the parts of a whole.
4A bar model with real numbersNow with big numbers. A shop sold 2350 apples and 1480 oranges 🍎🍊. The two parts combine into the whole — compare the bars, then add the parts to find the total.
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A peek inside
Add with columns: 3468 + 2575 📚.
ones 8+5=13 (carry 1) · tens 6+7+1=14 (carry 1) · hundreds 4+5+1=10 (carry 1) · thousands 3+2+1=6
Try this at home: Column add: 1346 + 2587 = __ (start at the ones, carry when a column makes ten)
Ready to play and learn?
Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.
Part of Math · Stage 3 · S3 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.