How to Solve 4 Digit Subtraction With Borrowing With Regrouping Method and Examples
When two integers are subtracted, the minuend must have a minimum of four digits and a maximum of three. This is known as 4-digit subtraction. When subtracting four digits, we do it one at a time in accordance with the place values of the digits—ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands.
A 4-digit number is subtracted from another 4-digit number in a 4-digit subtraction operation. You can deduct any smaller number from the 4-digit number as well. We all understand that the bigger number should go higher and the smaller one should go down. The subtrahend is the lower number inscribed below the minuend, which is the bigger number at the top.
4-Digit Subtraction
Steps for 4-Digit Subtraction
Step 1: First write the minuend on top and the subtrahend directly below to the minuend.
Step 2: The numbers must be placed as per their place values of ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands.
Step 3: Start subtracting the digits within the one’s column, followed by the tens column, the hundreds column, and therefore the thousands column.
Step 4: Once the difference is obtained, the corresponding answer is written underneath. This provides the difference between the two numbers.
Subtraction
4-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
4-digit subtraction without regrouping means the numbers are subtracted with no borrowing. In such cases, all the digits within the minuend are bigger than the digits in the subtrahend. Let us understand this using an example.
Example: Subtract 2719 from 3989.
The 4-digit subtraction is often done using the following steps.
Step 1: Arrange the numbers consistent with their place value one below the other.
Step 2: Start subtracting the digits in one column. Since all the digits of the minuend are greater than the subtrahend, no regrouping/borrowing is required here. Subtract the numbers in one column and write the difference. (9 - 9 = 0)
Step 3: Then, subtract the numbers in the tens column and write the difference. (8 - 1 = 7).
Step 4: Then, subtract the numbers within the hundreds column and write the difference. (9 - 7 = 2).
Step 5: Now, subtract the numbers within the thousands column and write the difference. (3 - 2 = 1)
Table Shows the Subtraction
Therefore, the answer is 1270.
4-Digit Subtraction With Regrouping
4-digit subtraction with regrouping is additionally known as 4-digit subtraction with borrowing. When any digit within the minuend (top row) is smaller than the corresponding digit in the subtrahend (bottom row), we regroup the numbers and then subtract. While regrouping, we borrow 1 number from the preceding column to form that particular digit in the minuend bigger than the corresponding digit of the subtrahend. Let us understand this with an example.
Example: Subtract 3678 from 8162.
Step 1: Arrange the numbers consistent with their place value. Start subtracting the digits in one column. We will see that 2 is smaller than 8. So, we'll borrow 1 from the tens column which will make it 12. Now, 12 - 8 = 4.
Step 2: After giving 1 to that column in the previous step, 6 becomes 5. Now, allow us to subtract the digits in the tens place (5 - 7). Here, 5 is smaller than 7. So, we'll borrow 1 from the hundreds column. This may make it 15. So, 15 - 7 = 8.
Step 3: In step 2 we had given 1 to the tens column, so we've 0 in the hundreds place. Here, 0 is smaller than 6, so we'll borrow 1 from the thousands column. This may make it 10. So, 10 - 6 = 4.
Step 4: Now, allow us to subtract the digits in the thousands place. After giving 1 to the hundreds column, 8 becomes 7. So, 7 - 3 = 4.
Table Shows the Subtraction
Therefore, the difference between the 2 given numbers is 8162 - 3678 = 4484.
Important Notes on 4-Digit Subtraction
Always remember to rearrange the 4-digit number as per the place value of the digits.
In the case of regrouping/borrowing, as and once we borrow, we subtract the numbers simultaneously.
Four-Digit Subtraction Worksheets
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Math Subtraction Worksheets
Four Digit Subtraction Worksheets with Pictures
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Summary
We have covered what a four-digit number is and how we can subtract a four-digit number. Never forget to enter the four numerals in the correct order according to their place value. When regrouping or borrowing, we concurrently subtract the numbers as we borrow. We have also solved one worksheet to understand it better. Solving questions always makes us understand better.
FAQs on 4 Digit Subtraction With Borrowing Explained Step by Step
1. What is 4 digit subtraction with borrowing?
4 digit subtraction with borrowing is the process of subtracting one 4-digit number from another by regrouping when a digit in the minuend is smaller than the digit below it. In this method:
- Line up numbers according to place value: thousands, hundreds, tens, ones.
- If the top digit is smaller, borrow 1 from the next left place.
- Add 10 to the current place and subtract.
- Continue until all columns are solved.
2. How do you do 4 digit subtraction with borrowing step by step?
To do 4 digit subtraction with borrowing, subtract each column from right to left and regroup when needed. Example: 5,432 − 2,789
- Ones: 2 − 9 → borrow → 12 − 9 = 3
- Tens: 2 − 8 → borrow → 12 − 8 = 4
- Hundreds: 3 − 7 → borrow → 13 − 7 = 6
- Thousands: 4 − 2 = 2
3. When do you need to borrow in 4 digit subtraction?
You need to borrow in 4 digit subtraction when the top digit in a column is smaller than the bottom digit. Borrowing is required if:
- The ones digit is smaller than the ones below it.
- The tens digit is smaller than the tens below it.
- The hundreds digit is smaller than the hundreds below it.
4. Can you give an example of 4 digit subtraction with borrowing?
An example of 4 digit subtraction with borrowing is 7,003 − 4,567.
- Ones: 3 − 7 → borrow across zeros → 13 − 7 = 6
- Tens: 9 − 6 = 3
- Hundreds: 9 − 5 = 4
- Thousands: 6 − 4 = 2
5. How do you subtract 4 digit numbers with zeros in the middle?
To subtract 4 digit numbers with zeros, borrow from the nearest non-zero digit to the left. Example: 6,002 − 3,458
- Borrow from 6 → becomes 5, hundreds and tens become 9 after regrouping.
- Ones: 12 − 8 = 4
- Tens: 9 − 5 = 4
- Hundreds: 9 − 4 = 5
- Thousands: 5 − 3 = 2
6. What is the rule for borrowing in subtraction?
The rule for borrowing in subtraction is to take 1 from the next higher place value and add 10 to the current place. The steps are:
- Cross out the larger place digit and reduce it by 1.
- Add 10 to the smaller digit in the current column.
- Subtract normally.
7. What are common mistakes in 4 digit subtraction with borrowing?
Common mistakes in 4 digit subtraction with borrowing include forgetting to reduce the digit you borrowed from and misaligning place values. Frequent errors are:
- Not subtracting 1 from the digit that was borrowed.
- Subtracting the smaller number from the larger regardless of position.
- Misplacing digits (thousands under hundreds).
- Forgetting to borrow across zeros correctly.
8. How do you check your answer in 4 digit subtraction?
You can check 4 digit subtraction by adding the difference to the subtrahend to see if you get the original minuend. For example, if 5,432 − 2,789 = 2,643, then check:
- 2,789 + 2,643 = 5,432
9. What is the difference between subtraction with and without borrowing?
The difference is that subtraction with borrowing requires regrouping, while subtraction without borrowing does not. In subtraction without borrowing, each top digit is larger than the bottom digit. In subtraction with borrowing, at least one column needs regrouping because the top digit is smaller.
10. Why is place value important in 4 digit subtraction with borrowing?
Place value is important because subtraction must be done column by column according to thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones. Correct subtraction requires:
- Aligning digits vertically by place value.
- Borrowing from the correct higher place.
- Maintaining accurate regrouping.
