CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.B.4
The Standard
Fluently add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Number and Operations in Base Ten
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students line up digits by place value and use the standard vertical method for addition and subtraction. They regroup across one or more places and check whether answers are reasonable.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students solve addition and subtraction problems accurately, including problems with zeros and several regroupings. They organize their work by place value and use estimation to catch errors.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may misalign digits, especially when numbers have different lengths. They may regroup incorrectly across zeros or forget that one unit in a place becomes ten units in the next place.
How to Assess It
- Solve 48,769 + 26,845 and 70,002 - 38,476 using vertical notation. Circle each regrouping and estimate to check both answers.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Use place-value disks on a chart to model 3,768 + 2,457, then record each regrouping beside the standard written steps.
Ask students to explain why regrouping in 50,003 - 27,648 changes several places, using place-value language.
Play Regrouping Relay: pairs draw two four-digit number cards, choose addition or subtraction, solve, and earn a point after a partner check.
Give students a $75,000 event budget and three whole-number expenses, then have them find the total spent and money remaining.
Free download
Printable 4.NBT.B.4 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.B.4, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetLearning progression
Where This Standard Sits
See the whole path on the Number & Operations in Base Ten progression map.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.A.1
Understanding each place is ten times the next supports regrouping and aligning digits in multi-digit addition and subtraction.
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.NBT.A.2
Fluency within 1000 gives the place-value regrouping and addition/subtraction accuracy needed for the standard algorithm with larger numbers.
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.OA.B.2
Multi-digit algorithms require quick one-digit sums and differences, especially when regrouping across place values.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.B.3
Fluently add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit decimals using the standard algorithm for each operation.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.B.2
Fluently divide multi-digit numbers using the standard algorithm.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NBT.B.5
Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.
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