Solve Vertical Subtraction: 8731 minus 3252

$\begin{aligned} &8731 \\ -& \\ &3252 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

The solution involves the vertical subtraction of $8731 - 3252$. Let's break it down step-by-step:

• Step 1: Align the numbers at the units column for vertical subtraction:
  $\begin{array}{c} &8 & 7 & 3 & 1 \\ - & 3 & 2 & 5 & 2 \\ \hline \end{array}$

• Step 2: Subtract the units place: $1 - 2$. Since $1$ is smaller than $2$, we need to borrow from the tens.
  Borrowing from $3$ (tens), which becomes $2$, and the units position turns from $1$ to $11$. Now subtract: $11 - 2 = 9$.

• Step 3: Move to the tens place: $2 - 5$. Again, $2$ is smaller than $5$, borrow from the hundreds.
  Borrow from $7$ (hundreds), which becomes $6$, and the tens becomes $12$. Now subtract: $12 - 5 = 7$.

• Step 4: Move to the hundreds place: $6 - 2$. This results in $4$.

• Step 5: Finally, move to the thousands place: $8 - 3$. This results in $5$.

• Scale down the entire calculation:
  $5479$

Therefore, the result of $8731 - 3252$ is $\textbf{5479}$.

This corresponds to choice 4:

5479

.