We are presented with 3988 and 5681. Let's work out the sum.

Step 1: We'll start by adding the digits 8 & 1 in column 1 and get 9.

Step 2: We'll start by adding the digits 8 & 8 in column 2 and get 16.
We'll write down the last digit 6 and carry the 1 to the next column.

Step 3: We'll start by adding the digits 9 & 6 in column 3 and get 16.
We'll write down the last digit 6 and carry the 1 to the next column.

Step 4: We'll start by adding the digits 3 & 5 in column 4 and get 9.

So, 3988 + 5681 = 9669.

