Year 4 Addition and Subtraction: A Guide for Parents

In Year 4, children continue to build their understanding of addition and subtraction, which are key skills in numeracy. By focusing on both mental and written strategies, pupils will learn to solve increasingly complex problems involving larger numbers. This foundation is critical for developing mathematical fluency and problem-solving skills, as outlined in the Literacy and Numeracy Framework (LNF) in Wales.

Key Learning Objectives

In this unit, Year 4 pupils will learn how to:

Add and subtract numbers with up to 4 digits using formal written methods.

Pupils will learn to use column addition and subtraction to solve problems involving numbers up to 10,000. For example, they might solve 4,678 – 2,345 using the column method, regrouping (borrowing) where necessary.

Use mental strategies for addition and subtraction.

Pupils will practise adding and subtracting numbers mentally, particularly focusing on multiples of 10, 100, and 1,000. For example, they will learn to quickly subtract 500 from 3,200 without needing to write it down.

Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction.

They will apply their knowledge to real-life problems, such as finding the difference between two prices or calculating how much more is needed to reach a goal. Pupils will learn to identify whether to add or subtract in a given situation.

Check calculations using inverse operations.

Pupils will be taught how to check their work by using the inverse operation. For instance, if they solve 3,456 + 2,134 = 5,590, they can check by subtracting 2,134 from 5,590 to ensure the answer is correct.

Estimate and approximate.

Pupils will practise estimating sums and differences by rounding numbers before calculating. For example, they might round 4,678 to 4,700 and 2,345 to 2,300 to quickly estimate that the difference is around 2,400.

Apply addition and subtraction in real-world contexts.

Pupils will use their skills to solve problems involving money, measures, and time. For instance, they may calculate how much change is due after spending a certain amount or how much time has passed between two events.

Example of Addition and Subtraction (Problem)

“If a family spends £2,345 on a holiday, and the total budget was £4,000, how much do they have left to spend?”

Pupils will subtract £2,345 from £4,000 to find the answer (£1,655).

How You Can Support at Home

Practice mental maths: Encourage your child to add and subtract mentally in everyday situations, such as when shopping or cooking.

Play number games: Simple addition and subtraction games can help strengthen these skills in a fun way.

Discuss word problems: Present real-life scenarios where your child can apply addition or subtraction, such as planning how much money to save or measuring ingredients when baking.

By the end of this unit, pupils will confidently apply addition and subtraction strategies to solve both mental and written calculations, as well as real-life problems.