SME
Grade 4 Math · Problem type
Subtract across zeros
Use this for “Subtract: 5,000 − 2,346” when the start has zeros to regroup across.
Diagram
2,654 + 2,346 = 5,000
This is an example. Type your own values to start a new problem.
Start
−
Take away
=
Difference
Formulas
5,000 − 2,346 = 2,654
Start − take away = difference
Assumptions
•
A zero has nothing to regroup from. Go left to the first place that is not zero.
•
Regroup 1 from that place: each zero in between becomes 9, and the ones place gets 10.
•
Think of a start like 5,000 as 4 thousands, 9 hundreds, 9 tens and 10 ones.
Step-by-step
WE KNOW
Start: 5,000
Take away: 2,346
FIND
difference
Step 1 · Find difference
5,000 − 2,346 = ?
Start − take away = difference
Regroup across the zeros first: the zeros become 9s and the ones place gets 10. Then subtract each place.
4
9
9
10
5
0
0
0
−
2
3
4
6
2
6
5
4
Difference = 2,654
Check
Put the numbers back in. Both sides should match.
5,000 − 2,346 = 2,654 ✓
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