Addition word problems are math problems written as stories. They ask you to combine two or more numbers to find a total.
Look for clue words like in all, together, or total. These often mean you need to add.
Follow these steps when solving an addition word problem:
Always connect your answer back to the story. Ask yourself: “Does my number fit what the problem is asking?”
When solving with a big three-digit number and a smaller two- or three-digit number, it helps to break the smaller number into parts.
Breaking apart numbers makes addition easier. Always add the tens first, then the ones.
Sometimes, when you add, the sum in the ones or tens place is greater than 9. This is called regrouping. You move extra ones or tens to the next place value.
Always start adding from the ones place. Carry over any extra tens or hundreds to the next column.
After solving, check that your answer makes sense in the problem. You can also use subtraction to check addition.
Checking helps you avoid small mistakes. If the subtraction works, your addition is correct.