Whole numbers are non-negative integers such as \(0\), \(1\), \(2\), \(3\), and so on. The four basic number operations - addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division - apply in the same way to large whole numbers as they do to smaller ones. Accuracy depends on place value and careful method.

To add whole numbers, line up the digits by place value (ones under ones, tens under tens). Start from the right and work left, carrying when a column total is \(10\) or more.

$$
3847 + 596 = 4443
$$

To subtract whole numbers, also align place values. If the top digit is smaller than the one below, you must exchange from the next column to the left.

$$
5023 - 278 = 4745
$$

To multiply whole numbers, multiply each digit in one number by each digit in the other, taking place value into account, then add the results. For large numbers, this is often done using long multiplication.

$$
347 \times 26 = 9022
$$

Here, \(347\) is multiplied by \(6\) and then by \(20\), and the results are added together.

To divide whole numbers, divide step by step using long division. This may result in a remainder if the division does not go in exactly.

$$
965 \div 4 = 241 \text{ remainder } 1
$$

The result can also be written as a fraction:

$$
241 \frac{1}{4}
$$

Always estimate first when working with large numbers. This helps you spot mistakes and check that your final answer is sensible in size, even before completing the full calculation.