Adding big numbers can seem daunting, but it’s actually a breeze once you understand the basic steps. Today, we’re tackling 4-digit addition, and yes, that sometimes involves a bit of regrouping (also known as carrying). Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!
Think of it like combining your favorite collections. If you have 2,345 stickers and your friend gives you 1,278 more, how many do you have in total? That’s what we’re solving, and regrouping is just a neat way to keep everything organized when adding larger numbers.
Mastering 4 Digit Addition with Regrouping
Let’s break down the process with an example: 2,345 + 1,278. First, write the numbers one above the other, making sure the ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands places line up perfectly. This helps to avoid any confusion as you add each column.
Start with the ones column: 5 + 8 = 13. Since we can’t fit 13 into one place value column, we write down the ‘3’ in the ones place of the answer. We then ‘regroup’ the ’10’ (which is the ‘1’ in ’13’) by carrying it over to the tens column.
Now, move to the tens column. We have 4 + 7, but don’t forget to add the 1 we carried over! So, 1 + 4 + 7 = 12. Again, we write down the ‘2’ in the tens place of the answer and carry the ’10’ (the ‘1’ in ’12’) over to the hundreds column.
Next, add the hundreds column, including the carried-over 1: 1 + 3 + 2 = 6. Since this result is less than 10, we simply write down the ‘6’ in the hundreds place of the answer. No need to regroup this time!
Finally, add the thousands column: 2 + 1 = 3. Write down the ‘3’ in the thousands place of the answer. And there you have it! 2,345 + 1,278 = 3,623. See? Not so scary after all! The key is to take it step-by-step and focus on one column at a time.
Practice makes perfect, so try working through a few more examples to build your confidence. You can find plenty of practice problems online or create your own. Remember, regrouping is just a way to keep the numbers organized and make sure you get the correct answer. Soon you’ll become 4 digit addition expert!