Learning Addition

More, more, more! Addition is all about making more of something, whether it’s making a number bigger or giving someone more of what they need or want. It’s also a crucial skill to understand if you hope to become a maths expert. With a little bit of practice and a whole lot of determination, you’ll get addition down in no time!

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Addition resources

Like subtraction, addition starts simple but gets more involved as you climb through primary school. You can learn different skills to solve your addition problems with ease — and prepare for addition in the real world!  Let’s take a closer look at the fun things you can do with addition. 

Repeated
addition

Find out how addition can help you understand how to multiply numbers together.

Find
the sum

Learn what “finding the sum” means and how to add two numbers together to get it. 

Add two-digit
numbers

Explore different methods of adding two-digit numbers together. 

Adding
fractions

Discover how to add two fractions together with our helpful guide.

Identity
property

Learn about this foundational concept when tackling addition problems.

Associative
property

See how grouping digits can help us break down an addition equation!

Repeated addition

Find out how addition can help you understand how to multiply numbers together.

Find the sum

Learn what “finding the sum” means and how to add two numbers together to get it. 

Add two-digit numbers

Explore different methods of adding two-digit numbers together. 

Adding fractions

Discover how to add two fractions together with our helpful guide.

Identity property
of addition

Learn about this foundational concept when tackling addition problems.

Associative property
of addition

See how grouping digits can help us break down an addition equation!

All about addition

While addition is one of the most basic math skills, it may be tough to get the hang of it at first. Just know you are not alone. Here are some of the more frequently asked questions about addition. 

What terms do I need to know to understand addition?

There aren’t as many terms you will need to know to understand addition as there are to understand subtraction. You need to know two basic terms to understand the definition of addition: 

  • Addend – One of the two numbers you are adding together
  • Sum – What you get when you add the addends together

What are common strategies for solving addition problems?

There are plenty of strategies you can use to solve addition problems. Some of the most common include using a number line, counting on your fingers, visualizing the problem (turning each addend into a picture so you can ‘see’ how many you have when you put them together), and more. Explore these strategies in the Skills section above. 

When do students begin to learn addition?

You will begin to practice addition in Year 1 of primary school. You might receive three blocks, and your teacher asks you to take two more blocks. How many blocks do you have now? In year 2, you will start to practice addition problems, then learn how to solve more advanced expressions in KS2.

Can I add fractions together?

Yes, you can add fractions together. You’ll likely tackle these types of problems in KS2. Your teacher will show you how to add fractions with like and unlike denominators. When adding fractions with unlike denominators, you’ll need to make sure the denominators are the same. This means you will have to understand multiplication to successfully add fractions.

Will I use addition in real life?

All the time! You will use addition to predict how much money you’ll have after getting paid, how many items you will need for projects and hobbies, how many RSVPs you have received for a birthday party, and so much more! It’s one of the most important maths skills you can learn. 

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