We are presented with 3171 and 5254. Let's work out the sum.

Step 1: We'll start by adding the digits 1 & 4 in column 1 and get 5.

Step 2: We'll start by adding the digits 7 & 5 in column 2 and get 12.
We'll write down the last digit 2 and carry the 1 to the next column.

Step 3: We'll start by adding the digits 1 & 2 in column 3 and get 4.

Step 4: We'll start by adding the digits 3 & 5 in column 4 and get 8.

So, 3171 + 5254 = 8425.

