Subtract 4-digit numbers using column subtraction
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can subtract two 4-digit numbers using column subtraction, regrouping hundreds, tens and ones.
Key learning points
- Column subtraction can be used to subtract 4-digit numbers.
- Work from the ones column on the right so that regrouping can be represented.
- If the tens value of the subtrahend is greater than the tens value of the minuend, regroup 1 hundred as 10 tens.
- If the hundreds value of the subtrahend is greater than the hundreds of the minuend, regroup 1 thousand as 10 hundreds.
Keywords
Column subtraction - Column subtraction is a way of subtracting numbers by writing a number below another.
Regrouping - The process of unitising and exchanging between place values is known as regrouping.
Common misconception
Trying to subtract 3 from 2 for example without regrouping and seeing the difference as 1
Continually acknowledge the whole and the parts in each 'column' so that children know what we have and what is being subtracted.
Teacher tip
Base 10 is used to support visualisation of the first few examples, but once able to do this, children should be able to apply their learning of column subtraction with 3-digits to 4-digit calculations and this scaffold can be removed.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Complete the sentence. We can regroup 1 hundred as ___ tens.
Q2.Where is regrouping needed in this column subtraction?
Q3.Where is regrouping needed in this column subtraction?
Q4.Calculate the difference.
Q5.Calculate the difference.
Q6.Calculate the difference.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Complete the sentence. We can regroup 1 thousand as ____ hundreds.
Q2.Where is regrouping needed in this column subtraction?
Q3.Calculate the difference.
Q4.Calculate the difference.
Q5.Sam had 4,991 tickets. She bought an airplane for 3,458 tickets. How many tickets does she have left?
Q6.Lucas had 2,392 tickets. He bought a car from the ticket shop and had 1,641 tickets left. How many tickets did the car cost?
To help you plan your 4 maths lesson on: Subtract 4-digit numbers using column subtraction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 maths lesson on: Subtract 4-digit numbers using column subtraction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Column addition and subtraction with 4-digit numbers unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.