We are presented with 9281 and 8987. Let's work out the sum.

Step 1: We'll start by adding the digits 1 & 7 in column 1 and get 8.

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 2 & 9 in column 3 and get 12.
We'll write down the last digit 2 and carry the 1 to the next column.

Step 4: We'll start by adding the digits 9 & 8 in column 4 and get 18.
We'll write down the last digit 8 and carry the 1 to the next column.

So, 9281 + 8987 = 18268.

