1.

3 Whole Number Arithmetic

There’s no getting around it — you need to be able to handle big numbers without a calculator.

Addition and Subtraction

Learning Objective — Spec Ref N2:
Add and subtract large numbers without using a calculator.

When adding or subtracting large numbers, write one number Tip: The units in
above the other, then add or subtract one column at a time. each number should
be lined up, as should
It’s important to make sure that the digits are lined up correctly, the tens, and the
or you’ll get the wrong answer. hundreds, etc.

Example 1

Work out 145 + 28.

1. Write one number above the other and make 145 145 145
sure each column lines up, from right to left. + 28 + 28 + 28
2. Add together the digits in each column, 3 73 173
1 1 1
starting with the furthest right.
3. If the digits in a column add up to 10 or more, you’ll need to ‘carry’ a 1. In the first
column here 5 + 8 = 13, so you write 3 in the column you’re working with, and
carry 1 to the next — add that on when you add the next column (4 + 2 + 1 here).

Example 2

Work out 364 – 128.

1. Write the bigger number above the smaller one. 5 1 5 1 5 1
364 364 364
2. Subtract the digits in each column, –128 –128 –128
starting with the furthest right. 6 36 236
3. If the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit,
borrow 10 from the next column. To do this, 4. Don’t forget you’ve borrowed
subtract 1 from the top digit in that column, and when you subtract the next
write 1 in front of the digit in your current column. column. In the 2nd column
Doing this to the 1st column here gives 14 – 8 = 6. here, you get 5 – 2 = 3.

Section 1 Non-Calculator Arithmetic 7