When you add two numbers, it is fastest to start with the larger number and count on by the smaller number. This is called counting on. The larger number is the bigger of the two numbers being added, even if it is written second. The sum is the answer you get when you add two numbers together.
To count on: find the larger number first and say it in your head. Then count on, one at a time, by the smaller number, using your fingers or a number line to keep track of how many counts you have made. Counting on works for any addition, but it saves the most counting when one number is much smaller than the other, like 2 + 17.
6 + 9 = ?
The larger number is 9, so start there instead of at 6.
Count on 6 more: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.
6 + 9 = 15
Use the number line to help you count on from the larger number. Write each total.
A number bond is a pair of numbers that combine to make another number. The number bonds to 10 are pairs that add to make 10: 1 + 9, 2 + 8, 3 + 7, 4 + 6 and 5 + 5 (and each pair the other way around too). Knowing these bonds by heart makes adding within 20 much faster.
To use a number bond to 10 when adding, look at how far the larger number is from 10. Break the smaller number into two parts: one part that takes the larger number up to 10, and the leftover part. Add the leftover part to 10 to find the sum.
8 + 5 = ?
8 needs 2 more to make 10, so break 5 into 2 + 3.
8 + 2 = 10
10 + 3 = 13
8 + 5 = 13
Match each number on the left to its number bond partner, the number that makes 10 when you add it. Write the matching letter in the blank.
Add the two numbers in each row. Write the total in the empty box.
| First number | Second number | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | |
| 9 | 4 | |
| 6 | 6 | |
| 8 | 9 | |
| 5 | 7 | |
| 9 | 9 | |
| 3 | 8 | |
| 6 | 9 |
Find the missing number in each number sentence. You can count on or use a number bond to help.
Read each problem. Show your working and write your answer on the lines.
Mia has 8 marbles. Her brother gives her 7 more marbles. How many marbles does Mia have now?
There are 9 children on the bus. At the next stop, 6 more children get on. How many children are on the bus now?
Sam picked 5 apples in the morning and 9 apples in the afternoon. How many apples did Sam pick in total?
Challenge: Jack has some stickers. He buys 7 more stickers and now has 16 stickers. How many stickers did Jack have to start with?
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