Learning Resources Horizontal ABACUS Manual page 2

Adding Four-Digit Numbers
Example: 5248 + 1937. First, enter from left to right the number 5248
(Fig. 11).
l 000 l 00 l 0 l
5248
+ 1937
Fig. 11
Start the addition of the second number by adding the 7 ones, which
gives 15 ones (Fig. 12). Trade as shown below (Fig. 13). It is very
important to record the results of each step; write 5 ones and an
extra ten.
l 000 l 00 l 0 l l 000
Fig. 12 Fig. 13
5248
+ 1937
Next, add the 3 tens and record that result, 8 tens, as shown (Fig. 14).
l 000 l 00 l 0 l
1
5248
+ 1937
85
Fig. 14
Then, add the 9 hundreds; another trade is necessary. Again, record
the results, the 1 hundred and the extra 1 thousand (Fig. 15 and 16).
l 000
Fig. 15
Finally, add the thousands; no trade is necessary. The solution is 7185
(Fig. 17). After 6–10 problems adding four-digit numbers, most
children can do these additions on paper without further instruction.
l 00 l 0 l
l 000
Fig. 17
1
5248
References
+ 1937
Cotter, Joan A. "Using Language and Visualization to Teach Place Value." Teaching
5 Children Mathematics 7 (October, 2000): 108–114. (joancotter@alabacus.com)
Cotter, Joan A. Activities for the AL Abacus: A Hands-on Approach to Arithmetic.
2nd Ed. Hutchinson, MN: Activities for Learning, 2000.
For a dealer near you, call:
(847) 573-8400 (U.S. & Int'l)
(800) 222-3909 (U.S. & Canada)
+44 (0)1553 762276 (U.K. & Europe)
© Learning Resources, Inc., Vernon Hills, IL (U.S.A.)
Learning Resources Ltd., King's Lynn, Norfolk (U.K.)
Please retain our address for future reference.
Made in China.
l 00 l 0 l l 000 l 00 l 0
Fig. 16
1 1 1
5248 5248
+ 1937 + 1937
85 185
l 00 l 0 l
1 1
5248
+ 1937
7185
isit our web site at:
LRM4335-TG
l
©1987-2002 by
Joan A. Cotter
LER 4335