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I.2 Addition word problems - sums up to 10

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Understanding Addition Word Problems

Word problems help us use math in real-life situations. In this first grade lesson, we practice solving addition problems where the total is 10 or less.

Examples:
  • Problem: Emma has 4 apples. She gets 3 more. How many apples does she have now?
    Solution: 4 + 3 = 7
  • Problem: There are 5 cats on the porch. 2 more cats join them. How many cats are there in all?
    Solution: 5 + 2 = 7
Helpful Hint

Always read the story carefully. Look for how many there are at the start, how many are added, and what the question is asking you to find.

Finding the Total

In word problems, the total is the answer we get after joining groups together. The total is called the sum.

Examples:
  • Problem: Ben has 2 pencils. His teacher gives him 6 more. How many pencils does he have?
    Solution: 2 + 6 = 8
  • Problem: A basket has 3 oranges. Another basket has 5 oranges. How many oranges are there in all?
    Solution: 3 + 5 = 8
Helpful Hint

Look for words like in all, together, or how many in total. These words tell you to add.

Using Objects and Drawings

We can solve word problems by using objects, drawings, or counters to show the groups before adding them together.

Examples:
  • Problem: Mia has 3 toy cars. Her brother gives her 4 more. How many cars does Mia have?
    Solution: Draw 3 cars, then 4 more. Count them: 3 + 4 = 7
  • Problem: There are 6 red balloons and 2 blue balloons. How many balloons in all?
    Solution: Use cubes or counters to model: 6 + 2 = 8
Helpful Hint

Try drawing pictures or using small items like buttons or coins to make the problem easier to see and solve.

Solving Problems with a Number Line

A number line can help us solve word problems by starting at the first number and hopping forward to add the second number.

Examples:
  • Problem: Alex starts with 5 stickers. He gets 3 more. How many stickers does he have now?
    Solution: Start at 5 on the number line. Move 3 hops forward. Land on 8. So, 5 + 3 = 8.
  • Problem: There are 2 birds in a tree. Then 7 more come. How many birds in all?
    Solution: Start at 2, move 7 hops. Land on 9. So, 2 + 7 = 9.
Helpful Hint

Always hop to the right when adding. Each hop moves you to a bigger number.

Practice with Everyday Situations

We use addition word problems every day when finding how many we have in total.

Real-Life Examples:
  • Problem: You eat 4 strawberries at lunch and 3 at dinner. How many strawberries did you eat?
    Solution: 4 + 3 = 7
  • Problem: There are 5 chairs in the classroom. The teacher adds 4 more chairs. How many chairs are there now?
    Solution: 5 + 4 = 9
Try This

Make up your own word problems at home. Use toys, books, or snacks to write a story and solve it with addition.

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