We are presented with 9609 and 8171. Let's work out the sum.

Step 1: We'll start by adding the digits 9 & 1 in column 1 and get 10.
We'll write down the last digit 0 and carry the 1 to the next column.

Step 2: We'll start by adding the digits 0 & 7 in column 2 and get 8.

Step 3: We'll start by adding the digits 6 & 1 in column 3 and get 7.

Step 4: We'll start by adding the digits 9 & 8 in column 4 and get 17.
We'll write down the last digit 7 and carry the 1 to the next column.

So, 9609 + 8171 = 17780.

