Add and Subtract Whole Numbers

Master the basics of adding and subtracting with fun examples!

Understanding Addition and Subtraction

Adding and subtracting are like magic tools that help us combine or separate numbers!
Addition puts numbers together to make a larger number, while subtraction takes one number away from another. These skills help us in everyday life - from counting money to measuring ingredients for recipes.

How to Add and Subtract

1️⃣ Line up the numbers by their place values (ones, tens, hundreds)

2️⃣ Start from the right (ones place) and work left

3️⃣ Carry over when adding if the sum is 10 or more in any column

4️⃣ Borrow when subtracting if the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit

Let's Practice Together!

Addition Example

Sarah has 347 marbles, and her friend gives her 258 more. How many marbles does she have now?

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600

Let's add 347 + 258:

347
+258
-----
605

Sarah now has 605 marbles!

Subtraction Example

A library has 892 books. If 367 books are checked out, how many books remain in the library?

300
400
500
600

Let's subtract 892 - 367:

892
-367
-----
525

There are 525 books remaining in the library!

Parent Tips 🌟

  • Make it real: Use everyday situations like grocery shopping or measuring ingredients to practice addition and subtraction.
  • Play math games: Card games like "War" (adding two cards) or board games that involve counting help reinforce these skills.
  • Encourage estimation: Before calculating exact answers, ask your child to estimate whether the answer will be higher or lower than certain numbers.

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