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Feb08

Learn 5 Addition Tricks with Some Examples

Today, we present our five addition tricks.They are super helpful and will help you add faster, getting the answer right every time.

Count from the number

Start with one of the numbers and keep counting onwards.

For example: 7 + 2addition tricks: Count from the number

  • Start on 7
  • Count 2 more…until you hit 9
  • So, 7 + 2 = 9

Start with the bigger number

When you have to add two numbers, it’s always easier to start with the bigger one.

For example: 3 + 13

If I have 3 yellow hats and 13 green hats inside of my trunk, and I ask you how many hats I have all together…addition tricks: Start with the bigger numberIt’s easier to start from the number 13 and add 3 than it would be to do it the other way around. 13 + 3 = 16

Multiply by 2

Sometimes finding the double can save you a lot of time.

For example: 17 + 19

  • Find the number that is in between the numbers you need to add, 17, 18 , 19
  •  Multiply it by 2: 18 x 2 = 36
  • And there you have it, 17 + 19 = 36

And if the numbers you need to add are consecutive, multiply the smaller number by two and add on the other one.

For example: 6 + 7

If I take out 6 grey doves and 7 purple ones from my top hat, and I ask you how many doves there are in total…

6 and 7 are consecutive numbers, so you can use this trick:

  • Multiply the smaller number by two, which in this case is 6.

6 x 2 = 12

  • Add on 1 to the answer of that multiplication. 12 + 1 = 13
  • Now you know that 6 + 7 = 13

addition tricks: Multiply by 2

Combine numbers to form groups of 10

When you have to add more than 2 numbers, whenever you can, combine the numbers that can give you 10.

For example: If you want to know how many total feathers flew out from the hat, you have to add

                                  8 red feathers + 4 yellow feathers + 2 blue feathers

addition tricks: Combine numbers to form groups of 10

To make it a little easier:

  • Find the numbers that add up exactly to 10:  8+2=10
  • Add on the rest of the numbers: 10+4=14

Find the group of 10s

When one of the numbers that you need to add is close to 10, round it off to 10 and add or subtract whatever the number you used to make it 10.

For example: 7 + 9

  • Substitute the 9 with (10-1) and you’ll get 7 + (10 – 1)
  • Add 7 +10 = 17
  •  …and now you just need to subtract 1: 17-1=16

addition tricks: Find the group of 10s

Did you like this post? Share it with your friends so they can see these adding tricks, too. 

Check out more addition posts on Smartick below:

If you want to practice these addition tricks, and more maths, go to Smartick and try it for free!

Learn More:

Fun is our brain’s favorite way of learning
Diane Ackerman
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7 Comments

  • UnicMindsJan 28 2024, 11:10 AM

    Useful information

    Reply
  • sukanyaJan 09 2024, 3:56 AM

    Great article! I found it incredibly informative and helpful.

    Reply
  • Abacus TrainerJan 09 2024, 3:55 AM

    Your blog always has interesting topics. I look forward to your next post. Keep posting.

    Reply
  • Abacus TrainerJan 08 2024, 7:26 AM

    Absolutely! Finding engaging ways to make math interesting and relatable can really hook students. It’s fantastic that you’re exploring different approaches like these tricks to get your calculus students excited about the subject. Keep up the great work!

    Reply
    • SmartickJan 09 2024, 7:25 AM

      Thank you very much for your comment Abacus Trainer, we are very happy to read you. We will continue to publish new and interesting posts, best regards!

      Reply
  • fitsumAug 03 2022, 10:45 AM

    interesting

    Reply
  • Gabby KinneySep 10 2020, 10:23 AM

    I love this app it helps my kids so much

    Reply