Doubles and Near Doubles Addition for Grade 1 Students

Complete guide to understanding doubles and near doubles in addition with visual models, step-by-step exercises, and interactive learning tools.

Doubles Solutions: Exercises 1 to 3
1 Basic Doubles
Exercise 1
Find the sum of 2 + 2 using the doubles strategy.
Doubles Strategy:

When you add the same number to itself, you double it.

Definition:

Doubles: Addition facts where the same number is added to itself (e.g., 2 + 2, 3 + 3, 4 + 4).

2
2
2 + 2
=
4
4
Total: 4
2
2
Step 1: Identify the doubles fact

We have 2 + 2, which is a doubles fact

Step 2: Count both groups

Count: 1, 2 (first group) and 3, 4 (second group)

Step 3: Find the total

2 + 2 = 4

Step 4: Verify the answer

Count all objects: 1, 2, 3, 4

2 + 2 = 4
Final answer:

2 + 2 = 4

Applied rules:

• Doubles fact: Adding the same number to itself

• Visual grouping: Seeing two equal groups

• Counting strategy: Count all objects to find the sum

2 Another Doubles Fact
Exercise 2
Find the sum of 4 + 4 using the doubles strategy.
Doubles Strategy:

Doubles are easy to remember because you're adding the same number twice.

Definition:

Doubles pattern: When you double a number, the result is always even.

4
4
4
4
4 + 4
=
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
Total: 8
4
4
Step 1: Identify the doubles fact

We have 4 + 4, which is a doubles fact

Step 2: Count both groups

Count: 1, 2, 3, 4 (first group) and 5, 6, 7, 8 (second group)

Step 3: Find the total

4 + 4 = 8

Step 4: Notice the pattern

When you double 4, you get 8 (an even number)

4 + 4 = 8
Final answer:

4 + 4 = 8

Applied rules:

• Doubles fact: Adding the same number to itself

• Even result: Doubles always result in even numbers

• Pattern recognition: Identifying the doubling pattern

3 Doubles Plus One
Exercise 3
Find the sum of 5 + 6 using the doubles plus one strategy.
Near Doubles Strategy:

Use a doubles fact and add or subtract 1 to solve near doubles.

Definition:

Near doubles: Addition facts where the numbers are consecutive (e.g., 5 + 6, 3 + 4, 7 + 8).

5
5
5
5
5
5
+
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
=
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
Total: 11
Step 1: Recognize the near doubles

5 + 6 are consecutive numbers (near doubles)

Step 2: Use the doubles fact

Think of 5 + 5 = 10

Step 3: Add one more

Since 6 is one more than 5, add 1 to the doubles fact

Step 4: Find the answer

10 + 1 = 11, so 5 + 6 = 11

5 + 6 = 11
Final answer:

5 + 6 = 11

Applied rules:

• Near doubles strategy: Use doubles + 1 or - 1

• Consecutive numbers: Numbers that follow each other

• Pattern recognition: Identifying relationships between numbers

Near Doubles Solutions: Exercises 4 to 5
4 Doubles Minus One
Exercise 4
Find the sum of 3 + 2 using the doubles minus one strategy.
Near Doubles Strategy:

Use a doubles fact and subtract 1 to solve near doubles when one number is smaller.

Definition:

Doubles minus one: When one number is one less than the other (e.g., 3 + 2, 5 + 4).

3
3
3
3
+
2
2
2
=
5
5
5
5
5
Total: 5
Step 1: Recognize the near doubles

3 + 2 are consecutive numbers (3 is one more than 2)

Step 2: Use the doubles fact

Think of 3 + 3 = 6

Step 3: Subtract one

Since 2 is one less than 3, subtract 1 from the doubles fact

Step 4: Find the answer

6 - 1 = 5, so 3 + 2 = 5

3 + 2 = 5
Final answer:

3 + 2 = 5

Applied rules:

• Near doubles strategy: Use doubles - 1

• Consecutive numbers: Numbers that follow each other

• Flexible thinking: Adjusting known facts for new problems

5 Mixed Near Doubles
Exercise 5
Find the sum of 7 + 8 using the doubles plus one strategy.
Near Doubles Strategy:

Use the larger number as your doubles fact and subtract 1.

Definition:

Efficient strategy: Choose the doubles fact closest to the numbers you're adding.

7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
+
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
=
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
Total: 15
Step 1: Recognize the near doubles

7 + 8 are consecutive numbers (near doubles)

Step 2: Use the doubles fact

Think of 7 + 7 = 14

Step 3: Add one more

Since 8 is one more than 7, add 1 to the doubles fact

Step 4: Find the answer

14 + 1 = 15, so 7 + 8 = 15

7 + 8 = 15
Final answer:

7 + 8 = 15

Applied rules:

• Near doubles strategy: Use doubles + 1

• Consecutive numbers: Numbers that follow each other

• Strategic thinking: Choosing the easiest doubles fact

Doubles and Near Doubles Concepts
2 + 2
Doubles
= 4
3 + 4
Near Doubles
= 7
5 + 5
Doubles
= 10
6 + 7
Near Doubles
= 13
1 + 1
Doubles
2 + 2
Doubles
3 + 3
Doubles
2 + 3
Near Doubles
4 + 5
Near Doubles
6 + 6
Doubles
n + n = 2n
Doubles Formula
Strategy 1
Doubles
Add same number twice
Strategy 2
Doubles + 1
Add one more to doubles
Strategy 3
Doubles - 1
Subtract one from doubles
Key Concept: Doubles facts are easy to remember and help solve near doubles.
Memory Aid: "Doubles are twins, they look the same!"
Comprehensive Doubles and Near Doubles Summary
Key Concepts & Definitions
  • Doubles
    Addition facts where the same number is added to itself (e.g., 2 + 2, 3 + 3, 4 + 4)
  • Near Doubles
    Addition facts where the numbers are consecutive (e.g., 2 + 3, 4 + 5, 6 + 7)
  • Doubles Plus One
    When one number is one more than the other (e.g., 5 + 6 = 5 + 5 + 1)
  • Doubles Minus One
    When one number is one less than the other (e.g., 3 + 2 = 3 + 3 - 1)
  • Consecutive Numbers
    Numbers that follow each other in counting order (e.g., 4 and 5, 7 and 8)
Core Rules & Principles
Doubles Rule: n + n = 2n
When you add the same number to itself, you double it
Example: 3 + 3 = 6, 5 + 5 = 10
Near Doubles Rule: Use doubles ± 1
Adjust the doubles fact when numbers differ by 1
Example: 4 + 5 = 4 + 4 + 1 = 9
Even Result: Doubles always equal even numbers
When you double any number, the result is always even
Example: 2 + 2 = 4, 3 + 3 = 6, 4 + 4 = 8
Step-by-Step Methods
Method 1: Doubles Strategy
1. Look for the same number being added twice
2. Remember the doubles fact
3. State the answer
Method 2: Doubles Plus One Strategy
1. Identify consecutive numbers (differ by 1)
2. Use the smaller number's doubles fact
3. Add 1 to the doubles result
Method 3: Doubles Minus One Strategy
1. Identify consecutive numbers (differ by 1)
2. Use the larger number's doubles fact
3. Subtract 1 from the doubles result
Examples (Simple → Advanced)
Simple: 1 + 1 = 2
Basic doubles fact
Moderate: 2 + 3 = 5
Using 2 + 2 + 1 = 5 (doubles plus one)
Advanced: 6 + 7 = 13
Using 6 + 6 + 1 = 13 (doubles plus one)
Complex: 8 + 9 = 17
Using 8 + 8 + 1 = 17 (doubles plus one)
Tips, Tricks & Common Pitfalls
Tip 1: Practice doubles facts until they're automatic.
Tip 2: Think of doubles as "twins" - they're the same!
Pitfall 1: Forgetting that doubles always result in even numbers.
Pitfall 2: Not recognizing consecutive numbers as near doubles.
Key Notes for Memorization
  • Memory Phrase
    "Doubles are twins, they look the same! Near doubles are neighbors, just one apart!"
  • Visual Strategy
    Draw two equal groups to represent doubles.
  • Practice Pattern
    Start with smaller doubles (1+1, 2+2) and work up.
  • Check Method
    Always verify your answer by counting all objects.

Questions & Answers

Question: How do doubles and near doubles strategies help students with addition fluency?

Answer: Doubles and near doubles strategies help students by:

  • Building number sense: Understanding relationships between numbers
  • Creating mental shortcuts: Using known facts to solve new problems
  • Developing fluency: Quick recall of basic facts
  • Reducing cognitive load: Less counting needed
  • Preparing for advanced concepts: Foundation for multiplication

These strategies create a strong foundation for mathematical reasoning.

Question: What are effective ways to practice doubles and near doubles at home?

Answer: Effective home practice methods include:

  • Visual aids: Use counters, beans, or small toys to show doubles
  • Games: Dice games where you roll doubles or near doubles
  • Chants: Rhythmic recitation of doubles facts
  • Real objects: Counting fingers, toys, or household items
  • Technology: Educational apps focused on addition strategies

Practice for 10-15 minutes daily for optimal learning without fatigue.

Question: How can students distinguish between doubles and near doubles?

Answer: Students can distinguish between them by:

  • Doubles: Both numbers are identical (3 + 3, 5 + 5, 7 + 7)
  • Near doubles: Numbers are consecutive (3 + 4, 5 + 6, 7 + 8)
  • Visual cue: Draw two equal groups for doubles, slightly different groups for near doubles
  • Pattern recognition: Doubles always have the same number twice
  • Strategy: Use doubles ± 1 for near doubles

The key is recognizing whether the numbers are the same or consecutive.