Addition Facts Within 20 - Mathematics - Exercises with solutions

Master addition facts within 20: comprehensive practice with 10 detailed exercises, solutions, and visual strategies.

Solutions: Exercises 1 to 10
1 Basic addition facts
Exercise 1
How do I find the sum of 6 + 7?
Difficulty: Beginner Time: ~1 minute Skills: Basic Addition, Counting On
Definition:

Addition facts: Basic addition equations that should be memorized for fluency, such as 6 + 7 = 13.

Note: Addition facts within 20 are foundational skills that support more complex mathematical operations.

Step-by-step addition method:
  1. Start with the larger number (7)
  2. Count on from the larger number (count 6 more)
  3. Reach the final number (13)
  4. Verify the answer
Original Problem
6 + 7
Step-by-Step Solution
Start with 7
Count on 6: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
Final Answer
13
Step 1: Identify the larger number

7 is larger than 6, so start counting from 7

Step 2: Count on the smaller number

Count 6 more from 7: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

Step 3: State the answer

6 + 7 = 13

6 + 7 = 13
Final answer:

13

Applied rules:

• Counting on: Start with the larger number and count up

• Efficiency: Counting on from the larger number is faster

• Verification: Check by counting in reverse or using doubles

• Practice Tip: Eventually memorize these facts for fluency

Related Examples:
  • 5 + 6 = 11 - Practice with different numbers
  • 4 + 8 = 12 - Another basic addition fact
  • 7 + 6 = 13 - Same result with different order
Quick Tips:
  • Always start counting from the larger number
  • Practice with manipulatives like counters or fingers
  • Eventually memorize these facts for faster recall
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Why do I need to memorize addition facts?
A: Memorizing addition facts helps you solve problems faster and builds a foundation for more complex math operations.

Q: What if I can't remember the answer?
A: Use counting strategies like starting from the larger number and counting on. With practice, you'll memorize them.

2 Doubles facts
Exercise 2
What is the sum of 6 + 6?
Difficulty: Beginner Time: ~1 minute Skills: Doubles Facts, Pattern Recognition
Definition:

Doubles facts: Addition equations where both addends are the same number (e.g., 6 + 6).

Note: Doubles facts are easier to remember and serve as anchor points for related addition facts.

Step-by-step doubles method:
  1. Identify that both numbers are the same
  2. Understand that doubles mean multiplying by 2
  3. Count the total or multiply by 2
  4. Memorize the result
Original Problem
6 + 6
Step-by-Step Solution
Both numbers are 6
6 × 2 = 12
Or: 6 + 6 = 12
Final Answer
12
Step 1: Identify the doubles pattern

Both addends are 6, so this is a doubles fact

Step 2: Apply the doubles rule

Doubles mean adding the same number twice: 6 + 6

Step 3: Calculate the sum

6 + 6 = 12 (or 6 × 2 = 12)

6 + 6 = 12
Final answer:

12

Applied rules:

• Doubles pattern: When both addends are the same

• Multiplication connection: Doubles are the same as multiplying by 2

• Memory aid: Doubles facts are easier to memorize

• Practice Tip: Learn doubles first as they help with near-doubles

Related Examples:
  • 4 + 4 = 8 - Practice with smaller doubles
  • 7 + 7 = 14 - Another doubles fact
  • 9 + 9 = 18 - Larger doubles fact
Quick Tips:
  • Doubles facts are always even numbers
  • Memorize doubles first as they're easier to remember
  • Use doubles as a foundation for near-doubles facts
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Why are doubles facts important?
A: Doubles facts are easier to remember and help with related facts. For example, knowing 6+6=12 helps with 6+7=13.

Q: Do all doubles facts result in even numbers?
A: Yes! When you add the same number twice, you're essentially multiplying by 2, which always results in an even number.

3 Near doubles
Exercise 3
How do I find the sum of 6 + 7 using the near doubles strategy?
Difficulty: Intermediate Time: ~2 minutes Skills: Near Doubles, Pattern Recognition
Definition:

Near doubles: Addition facts where the addends are consecutive numbers (like 6 and 7).

Note: Near doubles can be solved by using a known doubles fact and adding or subtracting 1.

Step-by-step near doubles method:
  1. Identify the closest doubles fact
  2. Recall the doubles fact (6 + 6 = 12)
  3. Determine how much more is needed (one more than the larger number)
  4. Add that amount to the doubles fact
Original Problem
6 + 7
Step-by-Step Solution
Closest doubles: 6 + 6 = 12
Need 1 more (for the 7)
12 + 1 = 13
Final Answer
13
Step 1: Identify the closest doubles fact

6 + 7 is close to 6 + 6

Step 2: Recall the doubles fact

6 + 6 = 12

Step 3: Determine the difference

7 is 1 more than 6

Step 4: Add the difference to the doubles fact

12 + 1 = 13

6 + 7 = 13
Final answer:

13

Applied rules:

• Near doubles pattern: Consecutive numbers (n and n+1)

• Building on known facts: Use doubles as a foundation

• Incremental adjustment: Add or subtract 1 from the doubles fact

• Practice Tip: This strategy strengthens number relationships

Related Examples:
  • 5 + 6: Use 5 + 5 = 10, then 10 + 1 = 11
  • 7 + 8: Use 7 + 7 = 14, then 14 + 1 = 15
  • 8 + 9: Use 8 + 8 = 16, then 16 + 1 = 17
Quick Tips:
  • Find the smaller number and use its double
  • Add 1 to the doubles fact when adding consecutive numbers
  • This strategy works for any pair of consecutive numbers
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if the numbers aren't consecutive?
A: The near doubles strategy works best for consecutive numbers. For other cases, try other strategies like making ten.

Q: Why is this strategy helpful?
A: It connects new facts to known facts, making them easier to remember and compute.

Solutions: Exercises 4 to 5
4 Making ten
Exercise 4
How do I find the sum of 8 + 5 using the making ten strategy?
Definition:

Making ten: A strategy where you adjust one number to make a sum of 10, then add the remainder.

Note: This strategy leverages the fact that 10 is an easy number to work with in addition.

Step-by-step making ten method:
  1. Identify how much more is needed to make 10 from the first number
  2. Break the second number into two parts (amount needed and remainder)
  3. Add the first number to make 10
  4. Add the remainder to 10
Original Problem
8 + 5
Step-by-Step Solution
8 needs 2 to make 10
Break 5 into 2 + 3
8 + 2 = 10
10 + 3 = 13
Final Answer
13
Step 1: Determine what's needed to make 10

8 needs 2 more to make 10

Step 2: Break the second number

Break 5 into 2 + 3

Step 3: Make 10

8 + 2 = 10

Step 4: Add the remainder

10 + 3 = 13

8 + 5 = 13
Final answer:

13

Applied rules:

• Ten advantage: 10 is easy to add to any number

• Decomposition: Break the second number into helpful parts

• Sequential addition: Add in stages for easier computation

• Practice Tip: This strategy works well when one number is close to 10

Related Examples:
  • 9 + 4: 9 + 1 = 10, 10 + 3 = 13
  • 7 + 5: 7 + 3 = 10, 10 + 2 = 12
  • 6 + 8: 6 + 4 = 10, 10 + 4 = 14
Quick Tips:
  • Use this strategy when one number is close to 10
  • Always break the second number to complement the first
  • Practice with numbers that need 1, 2, or 3 to make 10
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: When should I use the making ten strategy?
A: Use it when one number is close to 10 (8, 9) or when it helps simplify the addition.

Q: What if neither number is close to 10?
A: Other strategies like counting on or doubles might be more efficient in those cases.

5 Word problem
Exercise 5
Sarah has 7 red marbles and 8 blue marbles. How many marbles does Sarah have altogether?
Definition:

Word problem: A mathematical problem presented in a narrative context that requires identifying the operation and numbers to solve.

Note: Word problems require translating language into mathematical expressions and applying appropriate computational strategies.

Step-by-step problem solving method:
  1. Read the problem carefully and identify key information
  2. Determine the operation needed (addition in this case)
  3. Identify the numbers involved
  4. Solve using appropriate addition strategy
  5. Check if the answer makes sense in the context of the problem
Problem Setup
Red marbles: 7
Blue marbles: 8
Mathematical Expression
7 + 8
Final Answer
15 marbles
Step 1: Identify the key information

Sarah has 7 red marbles and 8 blue marbles

Step 2: Determine the operation

"Altogether" means we need to add the numbers

Step 3: Set up the addition

7 + 8

Step 4: Solve using a strategy

Using near doubles: 7 + 7 = 14, then 14 + 1 = 15

Step 5: State the answer

Sarah has 15 marbles altogether

7 + 8 = 15
Final answer:

15 marbles

Applied rules:

• Contextual understanding: Identify keywords indicating the operation

• Translation: Convert words into mathematical expressions

• Verification: Ensure the answer makes sense in the problem context

• Practice Tip: Check by using a different addition strategy

Related Examples:
  • Tom has 6 apples and 9 oranges → 6 + 9 = 15 fruits
  • Jane saw 5 birds and 8 butterflies → 5 + 8 = 13 creatures
  • Mike collected 4 shells and 7 rocks → 4 + 7 = 11 items
Quick Tips:
  • Look for keywords like "altogether," "total," "sum," or "in all" for addition
  • Draw pictures or use manipulatives to visualize the problem
  • Always write the answer in the context of the original problem
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How do I know if a word problem needs addition or subtraction?
A: Look for keywords: "altogether," "total," "sum," "combined," "in all" suggest addition; "left," "difference," "less," "remains" suggest subtraction.

Q: Should I always include the units in my answer?
A: Yes! Always answer word problems with the appropriate units (marbles, dollars, etc.) as specified in the problem.

Solutions: Exercises 6 to 10
6 Visual strategy
Exercise 6
How can I use a visual strategy to find the sum of 9 + 4?
Definition:

Visual strategy: Using pictures, diagrams, or manipulatives to model and solve addition facts.

Note: Visual representations help students understand the concept of addition and make abstract concepts more concrete.

Step-by-step visual method:
  1. Represent the first number with objects (9 circles)
  2. Represent the second number with objects (4 circles)
  3. Count all objects together
  4. Record the total
Original Problem
9 + 4
Visual Model
●●●●●●●●● + ●●●● = ●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Final Answer
13
Step 1: Represent the first number

Draw 9 circles: ●●●●●●●●●

Step 2: Represent the second number

Draw 4 circles: ●●●●

Step 3: Count all together

Count all circles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

Step 4: Record the sum

9 + 4 = 13

9 + 4 = 13
Final answer:

13

Applied rules:

• Concrete representation: Use physical models to understand abstract concepts

• Counting principle: Each object represents one unit

• One-to-one correspondence: Each number corresponds to a quantity

• Practice Tip: Visual strategies help build number sense and understanding

Related Examples:
  • 7 + 6: Draw 7 circles + 6 circles = 13 circles
  • 8 + 5: Draw 8 circles + 5 circles = 13 circles
  • 6 + 9: Draw 6 circles + 9 circles = 15 circles
Quick Tips:
  • Use simple shapes like circles or squares to represent numbers
  • Organize your visual models in rows or groups to make counting easier
  • Count slowly and carefully to avoid mistakes
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use visual strategies for all addition facts?
A: Yes! Visual strategies work well for all addition facts and help build understanding of number relationships.

Q: What if I can't draw well?
A: Simple dots, tally marks, or even using fingers work perfectly fine for visual representations.

7 Missing numbers
Exercise 7
What number should be added to 5 to get 12?
Definition:

Missing number problems: Equations where one operand is unknown, requiring inverse operations to find the value.

Note: These problems reinforce the relationship between addition and subtraction, helping students understand that addition and subtraction are inverse operations.

Step-by-step missing number method:
  1. Rewrite the equation as: ? + 5 = 12
  2. Use inverse operation: ? = 12 - 5
  3. Solve the subtraction problem
  4. Verify by adding the result to the known number
Problem Setup
? + 5 = 12
Inverse Operation
? = 12 - 5
Solution
? = 7
Step 1: Rewrite the equation

? + 5 = 12

Step 2: Use inverse operation

To find the missing addend, subtract: ? = 12 - 5

Step 3: Solve the subtraction

12 - 5 = 7

Step 4: Verify the answer

7 + 5 = 12 ✓

7 + 5 = 12
Final answer:

7

Applied rules:

• Inverse operations: Addition and subtraction are opposites

• Equation solving: Isolate the unknown variable

• Verification: Always check your answer by substitution

• Practice Tip: Missing number problems strengthen operational understanding

Related Examples:
  • ? + 6 = 13 → ? = 7
  • ? + 8 = 15 → ? = 7
  • ? + 4 = 11 → ? = 7
Quick Tips:
  • Missing number problems always use inverse operations
  • For addition problems: ? + A = B means ? = B - A
  • Always verify by adding the found number back to the original
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How do I know which operation to use for missing number problems?
A: Use the inverse operation. For addition problems, use subtraction. For subtraction problems, use addition.

Q: What if the missing number is being subtracted?
A: For A - ? = C, solve as ? = A - C. For ? - B = C, solve as ? = C + B.

8 Multiple steps
Exercise 8
How do I find the sum of 4 + 3 + 6?
Definition:

Multiple step addition: Adding three or more numbers together, following the same addition principles.

Note: When adding multiple numbers, you can add them in any order due to the commutative property.

Step-by-step multiple addition method:
  1. Look for friendly numbers to add first (like making 10)
  2. Add the first two numbers
  3. Add the result to the third number
  4. Verify the answer
Original Problem
4 + 3 + 6
Step-by-Step Solution
First: 4 + 6 = 10 (making 10)
Then: 10 + 3 = 13
Final Answer
13
Step 1: Look for friendly numbers

4 + 6 makes 10, which is easier to work with

Step 2: Add the friendly numbers

4 + 6 = 10

Step 3: Add the remaining number

10 + 3 = 13

Step 4: Verify the answer

Check: 4 + 3 + 6 = 7 + 6 = 13 ✓

4 + 3 + 6 = 13
Final answer:

13

Applied rules:

• Commutative property: Numbers can be added in any order

• Strategic grouping: Add numbers that make 10 first

• Sequential addition: Add two numbers, then add the result to the next

• Practice Tip: Look for number pairs that make 10

Related Examples:
  • 2 + 7 + 8: Add 2 + 8 = 10, then 10 + 7 = 17
  • 5 + 4 + 5: Add 5 + 5 = 10, then 10 + 4 = 14
  • 3 + 6 + 7: Add 3 + 7 = 10, then 10 + 6 = 16
Quick Tips:
  • You can add multiple numbers in any order due to commutative property
  • Look for pairs that make 10 or doubles to simplify the process
  • Add two numbers first, then add the result to the third
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if I have more than three numbers to add?
A: The same principle applies - add them in any order, looking for friendly numbers first.

Q: Can I group numbers to make addition easier?
A: Yes! You can add any two numbers first, then add the result to the next number, due to the associative property of addition.

9 Real world application
Exercise 9
A store sold 9 cupcakes in the morning and 7 cupcakes in the afternoon. How many cupcakes did the store sell in total?
Definition:

Real world application: Mathematical problems that occur in everyday situations, requiring computation to solve practical questions.

Note: Real world problems help students connect mathematical concepts to their daily lives and develop problem-solving skills.

Step-by-step application method:
  1. Identify the quantities to be added from the problem statement
  2. Determine that "total" indicates addition is needed
  3. Set up the addition problem with proper alignment
  4. Solve using appropriate addition strategy
  5. State the answer in the context of the original problem
Problem Information
Morning: 9 cupcakes
Afternoon: 7 cupcakes
Mathematical Expression
9 + 7
Final Answer
16 cupcakes
Step 1: Identify the quantities

Morning sales: 9 cupcakes, Afternoon sales: 7 cupcakes

Step 2: Determine the operation

"Total" indicates we need to add the two amounts

Step 3: Set up the addition

9 + 7

Step 4: Solve using a strategy

Using near doubles: 7 + 7 = 14, then 14 + 2 = 16

Step 5: State the answer

The store sold 16 cupcakes in total

9 + 7 = 16
Final answer:

16 cupcakes

Applied rules:

• Context identification: Recognize mathematical operations in real-world scenarios

• Problem translation: Convert verbal descriptions to mathematical expressions

• Application: Use mathematical skills to solve practical problems

• Practice Tip: Real-world problems help understand the relevance of math skills

Related Examples:
  • Cars: 8 + 6 = 14 cars sold
  • Students: 9 + 8 = 17 students attended
  • Pages: 7 + 9 = 16 pages read
Quick Tips:
  • Real world problems often use words like "total," "altogether," "combined," or "in all"
  • Always include units (cupcakes, dollars, etc.) in your final answer
  • Estimate first to check if your answer is reasonable
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How do I know if my answer makes sense in real-world problems?
A: Estimate first and check if your exact answer is close to your estimate. For example, 9 + 7 ≈ 10 + 7 = 17, so 16 is reasonable.

Q: What if the problem has extra information?
A: Focus only on the numbers and operations needed to answer the specific question asked.

10 Challenge problem
Exercise 10
If a farmer has 8 chickens, 7 ducks, and 4 geese, how many birds does the farmer have in total? Show your addition strategy.
Definition:

Challenge problem: A complex problem that combines multiple concepts and requires careful attention to detail and multiple-step reasoning.

Note: Challenge problems help students synthesize multiple skills and build confidence in tackling difficult mathematical situations.

Step-by-step challenge method:
  1. Identify all quantities to be added
  2. Look for strategic number pairs to simplify addition
  3. Add the numbers using appropriate strategies
  4. Verify the answer through estimation
Problem Information
Chickens: 8
Ducks: 7
Geese: 4
Mathematical Expression
8 + 7 + 4
Step-by-Step Solution
First: 8 + 4 = 12 (making 12)
Then: 12 + 7 = 19
Final Answer
19 birds
Step 1: Identify all quantities

Chickens: 8, Ducks: 7, Geese: 4

Step 2: Look for strategic pairs

8 + 4 = 12, which is easier to work with than 8 + 7

Step 3: Add the strategic pair

8 + 4 = 12

Step 4: Add the remaining number

12 + 7 = 19

Step 5: Verify with estimation

Estimate: 8 + 7 + 4 ≈ 8 + 7 + 4 = 19 ✓

8 + 7 + 4 = 19
Final answer:

19 birds

Applied rules:

• Strategic grouping: Add numbers that simplify the calculation first

• Attention to detail: Track all quantities in the problem

• Verification: Use estimation to check reasonableness

• Practice Tip: Challenge problems build confidence and fluency

Related Examples:
  • Stickers: 6 + 8 + 5 = 19 stickers
  • Marbles: 9 + 6 + 4 = 19 marbles
  • Crayons: 7 + 8 + 4 = 19 crayons
Quick Tips:
  • Look for number pairs that make the addition easier
  • Take your time with challenge problems to avoid careless errors
  • Always verify your answer with estimation for reasonableness
Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What if I have to add many numbers together?
A: Look for pairs that make 10 or other friendly numbers, then add the results together.

Q: How do I keep track of multiple numbers?
A: Add them in pairs, keeping track of your intermediate results.

Detailed Summary: Addition Facts Within 20
Key Concepts and Definitions:

Addition Facts: Basic addition equations that should be memorized for fluency, such as 6 + 7 = 13.

Doubles Facts: Addition equations where both addends are the same number (e.g., 6 + 6 = 12).

Near Doubles: Addition facts where the addends are consecutive numbers (like 6 + 7).

Making Ten: A strategy where you adjust one number to make a sum of 10, then add the remainder.

Number Sense: Understanding how numbers relate to each other and being flexible with different ways to compose and decompose numbers.

Step-by-Step Addition Strategies:
  1. Counting on: Start with the larger number and count up by the smaller number
  2. Doubles facts: Memorize facts where both addends are the same
  3. Near doubles: Use doubles facts and adjust by 1
  4. Making ten: Adjust one number to make 10, then add the remainder
  5. Visual representation: Use pictures or manipulatives to model the addition
Core Rules:
  • Always start counting from the larger number
  • Doubles facts are always even numbers
  • Use known facts to help with unknown facts
  • 10 is an easy number to add to any number
  • Numbers can be added in any order (commutative property)
Examples (Simple → Advanced):
  • Basic: 5 + 3 = 8 (counting on strategy)
  • Doubles: 6 + 6 = 12 (memorization)
  • Near doubles: 6 + 7 = 13 (doubles + 1)
  • Making ten: 8 + 5 = 13 (8 + 2 + 3)
  • Multiple: 4 + 3 + 6 = 13 (strategic grouping)
Tips and Tricks:
  • Memorize doubles facts first as they're easier to remember
  • Use doubles as a foundation for near-doubles facts
  • Look for number pairs that make 10 when adding multiple numbers
  • Start counting from the larger number for efficiency
  • Practice regularly to build fluency and speed
Common Pitfalls:
  • Starting to count from the smaller number instead of the larger
  • Not recognizing when to use strategic addition methods
  • Confusing addition and subtraction facts
  • Forgetting to verify answers
  • Mixing up the order of operations in multi-step problems

Key Takeaways for Memorization

  • Remember: Count from the Larger number - The "CL Rule"
  • Remember: Doubles are Even numbers - The "DE Rule"
  • Remember: Make Ten when possible - The "MT Rule"
  • Remember: Near Doubles use Doubles - The "NDD Rule"
  • Remember: Visualize to Understand - The "VU Rule"
Important Notes:

• Addition facts within 20 form the foundation for more complex mathematical operations

• Fluency with these facts improves speed and accuracy in all math operations

• Regular practice is essential for memorization and automatic recall

• Different strategies work better for different students

• Common Core Standard: Fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies.

Key Laws, Methods, Rules, and Definitions
\(A + B = \text{Sum}\)
Addition Facts
Key definitions:

Addition facts: Basic addition equations that should be memorized for fluency

Doubles facts: Addition where both addends are identical

Near doubles: Addition where addends are consecutive numbers

Complete methodology:
  1. Identify the problem: Recognize the addition fact to be solved
  2. Select strategy: Choose the most efficient approach
  3. Execute calculation: Perform the addition using chosen strategy
  4. Verify result: Check with estimation or inverse operation
Tip 1: Start counting from the larger number for efficiency.
Tip 2: Use doubles facts as anchors for near-doubles.
Tip 3: Estimate first to check if your answer is reasonable.
Tip 4: Always verify your answer by checking your work.
Common errors: Starting from smaller number, confusing addition and subtraction, not recognizing patterns, miscalculating.
Practice strategies: Flashcards, games, timed practice, word problems, real-world applications.
Rules to remember:

• Counting rule: Always start from the larger number

• Doubles rule: Doubles facts are always even numbers

• Ten rule: Use 10 as an anchor number when possible

• Verification rule: Check your answer by using inverse operation

Rules and Methods for Addition Facts Within 20
\(A + B = \text{Sum}\)
Addition Facts
Doubles Facts
6 + 6 = 12
Same number addition
Near Doubles
6 + 7 = 13
Consecutive numbers
Making Ten
8 + 5 = 10 + 3 = 13
Adjust to make 10

Key Takeaways

  • Always start counting from the larger number
  • Memorize doubles facts as they're easier to remember
  • Use doubles as a foundation for near-doubles facts
  • Look for number pairs that make 10 when adding
  • Verify answers by checking with estimation
  • Practice regularly to build fluency

Questions & Answers

Question: I'm having trouble memorizing addition facts. What can I do to get better at them?

Answer: Here are effective strategies to help you memorize addition facts:

  • Start with doubles: 2+2, 3+3, 4+4, etc. are easier to remember
  • Use patterns: If you know 5+5=10, then 5+6=11 (one more than the double)
  • Practice regularly: Just 10-15 minutes each day makes a big difference
  • Use visual aids: Counters, fingers, or drawings help with understanding
  • Play games: Addition games make practice fun and engaging

Remember, memorization takes time. Start with facts you know well and gradually work up to more challenging ones.

Question: My child is struggling with addition facts. What strategies can I use to help them practice at home?

Answer: Here are effective strategies to help your child practice addition facts at home:

  • Daily practice: Just 10-15 minutes each day is more effective than longer sessions
  • Flashcards: Practice with physical or digital flashcards
  • Real-life applications: Count objects, money, or food items
  • Games: Dice games, card games, or online math games
  • Encourage thinking aloud: Ask your child to explain their thought process

Practice with fun activities like "What's 4 + 5?" while cooking or "How many more do I need to make 10?" with snacks. Consistency is more important than duration.

Tip: Celebrate progress and be patient as they build fluency.

Question: I sometimes get confused about which strategy to use. How do I know when to use doubles, making ten, or counting on?

Answer: Here's how to choose the right strategy:

  • Use doubles: When both numbers are the same (like 6 + 6)
  • Use near doubles: When numbers are consecutive (like 6 + 7)
  • Use making ten: When one number is close to 10 (like 9 + 4 or 8 + 6)
  • Use counting on: When numbers are small (like 3 + 4)
  • Use visual aids: When you're just learning or confused

The more you practice, the more automatic your choice will become. It's okay to use different strategies for different problems. With time, you'll know which one works best for each fact.

Math Glossary

Addition Facts
Basic addition equations that should be memorized for fluency, such as 6 + 7 = 13.
Doubles Facts
Addition equations where both addends are the same number (e.g., 6 + 6 = 12).
Near Doubles
Addition facts where the addends are consecutive numbers (like 6 + 7).
Making Ten
A strategy where you adjust one number to make a sum of 10, then add the remainder.
Number Sense
Understanding how numbers relate to each other and being flexible with different ways to compose and decompose numbers.

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