Addition Basics and Techniques

Jun 9, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers the basics of addition using number lines, adding positive and negative numbers, carrying over digits, and stacking numbers for multi-digit addition.

Basic Addition Using Number Lines

  • To add two numbers, start at the first number and move right by the value of the second number.
  • Example: 5 + 3 means start at 5, move right 3 units to reach 8.

Adding Negative and Positive Numbers

  • To add a negative number and a positive number, move right from the negative value by the amount of the positive number.
  • Example: -6 + 4; start at -6, move 4 steps right to reach -2.
  • Addition is commutative: 3 + 6 is the same as 6 + 3.

Adding Two-Digit Numbers

  • Align numbers by place value (ones, tens) before adding.
  • Add the units (ones) column first, then the tens column.
  • Example: 43 + 25: 5 + 3 = 8 (ones), 4 + 2 = 6 (tens), answer is 68.

Carrying Over in Addition

  • If the sum in a column exceeds 9, write the rightmost digit and carry over the next digit to the next column.
  • Example: 47 + 38; 7 + 8 = 15, write 5, carry over 1 to tens place.

Adding Multi-Digit and Grouped Numbers

  • Stack all numbers vertically and align by place value.
  • Add column by column from right to left; carry over as needed.
  • Example: 465 + 236 + 75; add all digits in each column and carry.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Number Line — A visual tool to add or subtract by moving right (add) or left (subtract).
  • Carry Over — Moving a digit to the next left column when a sum exceeds 9 in a single column.
  • Commutative Property — Addition order does not affect the sum (e.g., 3 + 6 = 6 + 3).

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice addition problems using number lines and carrying over.
  • Try adding numbers in groups to reinforce column addition skills.
  • Use a calculator to check your answers.