Four Digit Subtraction Challenge
20 subtraction problems with four-digit numbers, stacked in columns on two pages. Every problem needs at least one borrow, and a few have zeros in the top number, like 6800 − 5393. It's for 4th graders using the standard algorithm.
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Borrowing across zeros
6800 − 5393 is the hardest kind of problem on this sheet. The ones need to borrow, but the tens digit is 0, so there's nothing there to take. Move left to the first digit that isn't zero. The 8 hundreds becomes 7 hundreds and 10 tens, then one of those tens becomes 10 ones. The top number now reads 6 thousands, 7 hundreds, 9 tens, and 10 ones, and every column can be subtracted.
Some students find it easier to see 6800 as 680 tens. Take one ten away and you have 679 tens and 10 ones, the same regrouping done in one step.
The answer is 1407. Students who get a different answer usually lost track of which digits changed, so have them cross out and rewrite each digit as they borrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grade learns four-digit subtraction?
4th grade, with the standard algorithm. 3rd graders subtract within 1,000, so this sheet is one step past that.
What's the quickest way to check an answer?
Add it back. For 3672 − 3407, the answer 265 plus 3407 should give 3672. If it doesn't, look for a column where a borrow was missed.
Is there an easier sheet with the same skill?
Triple Digit Subtraction (Vertical) has the same borrowing with one less column, and many of its problems have a zero in the top number too.