Core Year 4 Subtraction with two exchanges with answers

These are PDF files that you can print off at home.

In these worksheets, children subtract up to 4-digit numbers with more than one exchange, using the written method of column subtraction. Children perform subtractions involving two separate exchanges

(for example, from the thousands and from the tens) as well as those with two-part exchanges

(for example, from the thousands down to the tens if there are no hundreds in the first number). To support

understanding, solve these subtractions alongside the concrete resources of base 10 and place value

counters. When completing the written method, it is vital that children are careful with where they put the digits, especially those that have been exchanged. Remember, two-part exchanges can be confusing for children if they are unsure what each digit represents or where to put it. 

Children may not line up the digits in the place value columns correctly.

When exchanging a number, children may put the 1 in the incorrect place. 

When exchanging over two columns, children may exchange directly from, for example, hundreds down to ones and miss out the exchange to tens.

You can support the children with some questioning alongside their work, for example,

Do you need to make an exchange?

How can you subtract two numbers if one of them has fewer digits than the other?

If you cannot exchange from the tens/hundreds, what do you need to do?

Which column can you exchange from?