Class 4 Maths: 4-Digit Subtraction with Regrouping Worksheet

In 4th-grade math, regrouping is the process of rearranging numbers between place values to perform an operation like subtraction, and it is often called borrowing. You regroup when a digit in the top number (minuend) is smaller than the digit in the bottom number (subtrahend).

• For example, to subtract 7 from 4 in the ones place, you borrow 1 ten from the tens place.
• This 'borrowed' 1 ten is regrouped as 10 ones, changing the 4 to 14, which allows you to complete the subtraction.

We use borrowing in subtraction to solve problems where a digit in the top number is smaller than the digit below it in the same place value column. Borrowing is the practical action of the concept called regrouping.

• It allows us to “borrow” value from a higher place value column (like the tens) and move it to a lower one (like the ones).
• Without borrowing, you cannot solve a problem like 52 - 18 using the column method, as you cannot take 8 from 2 in the ones column.
• By borrowing 1 ten, the problem becomes (40 + 12) - 18, making the subtraction in each column possible.

This Class 4 Maths worksheet is designed to build confidence and accuracy in subtracting large numbers by providing focused practice on 4-digit subtraction with regrouping. It helps your child by:

• Concept Reinforcement: It strengthens the understanding of place value and the process of borrowing.
• Practice Questions: It offers multiple problems, from straightforward column subtraction to 'fill in the missing number' challenges.
• Independent Learning: The clear format allows students to practice independently, improving their problem-solving skills.
• Skill Building: It boosts accuracy and speed in performing subtraction, a fundamental math skill.

Yes, this worksheet for Class 4 Maths is designed as a free, printable PDF for easy use at home or in the classroom. Many of our worksheets also come with a worksheet with answers to help parents and students check their solutions and understand the correct steps for regrouping.

To solve 4-digit subtraction using the column method, you arrange the numbers vertically and subtract one column at a time, from right to left.

• Arrange: Write the larger number (minuend) above the smaller number (subtrahend), ensuring the ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands digits are aligned in columns.
• Subtract Ones: Subtract the bottom digit from the top digit in the ones column. If you need to, borrow from the tens column.
• Subtract Tens: Move to the tens column and repeat the process. Remember to use the new value if you borrowed from it.
• Continue Left: Continue this for the hundreds and thousands columns, regrouping as necessary.
• Final Answer: The numbers written below the line form the final difference.

When performing subtraction with regrouping, students should watch out for a few common mistakes to improve accuracy.

• Forgetting to Reduce: After borrowing from a column, students often forget to reduce the digit in that column by 1.
• Incorrect Borrowing: Adding 1 instead of 10 to the column that is borrowing (e.g., changing 2 to 3 instead of 12).
• Column Misalignment: Not aligning the numbers correctly according to their place value before starting.
• Subtracting Upwards: To avoid borrowing, some students subtract the top digit from the bottom one (e.g., 8-2 instead of 2-8), which is incorrect.

The key difference is whether you need to borrow from a higher place value column to complete the subtraction.

• Subtraction without Regrouping: In these problems, every digit in the top number is greater than or equal to the corresponding digit in the bottom number. You can subtract each column directly. Example: 4589 - 1234.
• Subtraction with Regrouping: In these problems, at least one digit in the top number is smaller than the digit below it. You must borrow (or regroup) from the next column to the left to solve it. Example: 4521 - 1234.

This worksheet reinforces concept retention by encouraging a deeper understanding of subtraction with regrouping rather than just memorization.

• Step-by-Step Practice: Solving multiple column subtraction problems helps solidify the procedural steps of borrowing.
• Varied Activities: Including activities like 'fill in the missing digit' forces students to think backwards and apply their knowledge of place value.
• Focused Topic: By concentrating on 4-digit subtraction, it allows for mastery of this specific skill before moving on to more complex problems.
• Error Checking: The practice helps students identify and correct their own common mistakes, leading to better long-term retention.

A great way to teach subtraction with regrouping to a 4th-grade student is by using visual aids and simple, clear steps to make the concept easier to grasp.

• Use Place Value Blocks: Physically show how one 'ten' block can be broken down or 'regrouped' into ten 'ones' blocks.
• Start Simple: Begin with 2-digit subtraction problems before moving on to 4-digit subtraction.
• Emphasize the 'Why': Explain that we borrow because we can't take a larger number from a smaller one in the same column.
• Consistent Practice: Use a practice worksheet pdf with clear instructions and examples to build confidence through repetition.