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Addition & Subtraction

Exam code: 4024
Written by: Ashika|Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll|Updated 2 July 2026

Addition & Subtraction

Addition & subtraction

How do I add large numbers without a calculator?

  • There are a variety of written methods that can be used to add large numbers

    • The order in which numbers are added is not important

  • The column method is the most commonly used hand written method

    • The numbers are written one number above the other,

      • Line up the digits using place value columns

    • Add each pair of corresponding digits from the top and bottom rows (work right to left)

    • If the result is a single digit

      • write the result in the relevant place value column below the line

    • If the result is a 2 digit number

      • the ones are written in the relevant place value column below the line

      • the tens are carried to the top of the next column

    • If the addition of the final pair of digits results in a 2 digit number 

      • write both digits below the line

  • For example, the addition 9789 + 563 = 10 352
    equation

How do I subtract large numbers?

  • A variety of written methods exist, but you only need to know one

    • The order in which two numbers are subtracted is important so ensure the calculation is the right way round

  • The column method is the most commonly used hand written method

    • The numbers are written one number above the other

      • Line up the digits using place value columns

      • The number being subtracted should be below the original amount

    • Subtract each digit in the bottom value from the corresponding digit in the top value (work right to left)

    • If the digit being subtracted is bigger than the one it is subtracted from

      •  "borrow ten" from the next column to the left

  • For example, 392 - 28 = 364
    equation

  • Another method is counting up

    • E.g. to find 673 - 289 start at 289 and count up

      • Add 1 to get 290

      • Add 10 to get 300

      • Add 300 to get 600

      • Add 73 to get to 673

    • then add the steps together

      • 1+10+300+73=384

      • 673-289=384

What words are used for addition and subtraction?

  • Addition may be phrased using the words: plus, total or sum

  • Subtraction may be phrased using the words: difference or take away