Multi-Digit Subtraction

Practise subtracting large numbers — four and five digits — using the same borrowing method, scaled up.

Grade 4 · 4.NBT⚡ Place-value fluency
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How subtraction scales to big numbers

Subtracting large numbers adds nothing new: it is the same right-to-left borrowing method, just with more columns. A child who can handle 3-digit subtraction with borrowing already has every skill needed here — the challenge is staying organised across more columns.

  1. Line the numbers up by place value, bigger number on top.
  2. Subtract each column from the right, borrowing whenever the top digit is too small.
  3. Handle any strings of zeros by borrowing from the next non-zero column.
  4. Write the result.

Worked examples

Four digits8,205 − 3,748 — working right to left with borrowing (including across the 0) gives 4,457.
A second one6,000 − 2,375 — a long across-zeros borrow: 3,625.
AD AREA (parent reading zone only — never shown during practice)

Tips & common mistakes

Neat columns matter even more with long numbers — one misaligned digit throws everything off. Estimate first: 8,205 − 3,748 is about 8,000 − 3,700 = 4,300, close to 4,457. Round numbers like 6,000 mean lots of borrowing, so slow down on those.

  • Long strings of zeros (as in 6,000 − 2,375) — the borrow cascades all the way across.
  • Columns drifting out of alignment as the numbers get longer.
  • Dropping a borrow somewhere in the middle — estimating catches the size error.

Frequently asked questions

What grade is multi-digit subtraction?

It is a grade 4 skill, building directly on 3-digit subtraction.

Is the method any different for big numbers?

No — more columns, same right-to-left borrowing. Alignment is the only added challenge.

Why is something like 6,000 − 2,375 hard?

Because the borrow has to travel across several zeros before it finds a digit to take from. Rewriting the regrouped number helps.

How do we check such a big answer?

Add the answer back to the number you subtracted — you should land on the original top number.

My child gets facts right but the total wrong — why?

Usually a misaligned column or a dropped borrow. Lined-up digits and an estimate catch both.

Keep practising

← All subtraction3-digit subtractionMulti-digit addition4th grade math

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