Addition
Combining two quantities into a total called the sum.
Key idea
Combining two quantities into a total called the sum.
In depth
Addition combines two quantities into one total. Column by column, you add digits of the same place value and carry when a column reaches ten, because ten of one place equals one of the next place up.
Worked example
47 + 25: ones 7+5 = 12, write 2 carry 1. Tens 4+2+1 = 7. Answer 72.
Formula
Real-world uses
- Totalling a shopping bill
- Combining ingredient quantities
- Adding up points in a game
Common mistake
Forgetting the carry, or adding digits from different places together.
How to learn this
- Read the key idea and say it in your own words.
- Work through the worked example, then try a similar problem.
- Use the interactive lesson’s visual and mini-quiz to check the pattern.
Frequently asked questions
What is Addition?
Combining two quantities into a total called the sum. It is a topic at the beginner level in Arithmetic & Number Sense.
What is the formula for Addition?
The key formula is a + b = c.
Where is Addition used in real life?
Real-world examples: Totalling a shopping bill; Combining ingredient quantities; Adding up points in a game.
What should I learn before Addition?
Make sure you are comfortable with Skip Counting, the previous topic in Arithmetic & Number Sense.
What is a common mistake with Addition?
Forgetting the carry, or adding digits from different places together.
How can I practise Addition?
Open the interactive lesson, play with the visual, then answer the three-question mini-quiz. Getting two right marks the topic complete.
What comes after Addition?
Move on to Subtraction next.
Related beginner topics in Arithmetic & Number Sense
- Counting & Cardinality – Assigning one number word to each object to find how many there are.
- Place Value – The value of a digit depends on its position: ones, tens, hundreds and so on.
- Number Line – A line where numbers are placed in order at equal spacing to compare and add them.
- Comparing Numbers – Use <, > and = to say which number is smaller, larger or equal.
- Ordering Numbers – Arranging numbers from least to greatest or the reverse.
- Even and Odd Numbers – Even numbers divide by 2 with no remainder; odd numbers leave remainder 1.