What is the difference between 4632 and 20000, that is, what number do you obtain when you subtract 4632 from 20000?

Introduction / Context:
This is a straightforward subtraction problem that checks your ability to subtract a smaller number from a larger one without making place value errors. Although it looks simple, questions like this appear in aptitude tests to see whether candidates can handle basic arithmetic under time pressure without relying on calculators.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The larger number is 20000.
• The smaller number to be subtracted is 4632.
• We must compute 20000 − 4632.
• Both numbers are positive integers written in standard decimal notation.

Concept / Approach:
The subtraction can be done using standard column subtraction with borrowing or by breaking the numbers into parts for easier mental arithmetic. One method is to split 4632 into 4000, 600, 30, and 2 and subtract step by step from 20000. Careful tracking of the borrowing process ensures the final result is correct. Understanding place values (ten thousands, thousands, hundreds, tens, and units) is essential.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Write the expression 20000 − 4632. Step 2: Subtract in stages. First subtract 4000 from 20000 to get 16000. Step 3: Now subtract the remaining 632 from 16000. Step 4: Subtract 600 from 16000 to get 15400. Step 5: Subtract 30 from 15400 to get 15370. Step 6: Finally, subtract 2 from 15370 to get 15368. Step 7: Thus, 20000 − 4632 = 15368.

Verification / Alternative check:
As a check, add the result back to the subtracted number and see if you recover the original top number. Compute 15368 + 4632. First add 4632 to 15000 to get 19632. Then add the remaining 368 to get 19632 + 368 = 20000. Since the sum returns exactly to 20000, the subtraction is correct. Alternatively, you can perform column subtraction digit by digit, which also yields 15368 when done carefully.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Each incorrect option results from a typical subtraction error. For example, 14965 might come from subtracting 4600 incorrectly, and 14562 or 12652 can arise from misplacing borrows or subtracting digits in the wrong order. None of these values, when added to 4632, will give 20000. Only 15368 satisfies the equality 4632 + result = 20000 without any discrepancy.

Common Pitfalls:
Common mistakes include reversing the subtraction (trying to compute 4632 − 20000), misaligning digits, or forgetting to borrow correctly when the digit in the minuend is smaller than the digit in the subtrahend. Breaking the smaller number into parts and subtracting systematically, as shown, is a reliable way to avoid such errors. Always verify by adding the difference back to the subtrahend to confirm the original number is restored.

Final Answer:
The difference between 4632 and 20000 is 15368.