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What is Addition?

Visual representation of addition concept
Combining groups to find the total

Addition is a basic math operation where we combine two or more numbers to find their total or sum.

When we add numbers, we're finding out how many we have altogether or in all. Some words that mean addition include:

- Plus: 3 plus 2 equals 5
- Total: The total of 4 and 1 is 5
- Sum: The sum of 2 and 3 is 5
- Combined: 3 apples combined with 2 apples
- Increase: When you add 1 to 4, you increase it to 5

Addition helps us solve everyday problems like counting toys, sharing snacks, or adding up scores.

Addition Table Basics

Visual representation of an addition table
Addition table layout

An addition table (or addition facts table) helps you quickly find sums without counting every time. It's organized like a grid with numbers along the top and left side.

To use an addition table:

1. Find the first number in the left column
2. Find the second number in the top row
3. Follow the row and column to where they meet - that's the sum!

Here's a basic addition table for numbers 0 to 5:

+ 0 1 2 3 4 5
0012345
1123456
2234567
3345678
4456789
55678910

Patterns & Strategies

Visual representation of addition patterns
Patterns in addition facts

Addition tables reveal helpful patterns that make mental math easier:

Commutative Property: You can add numbers in any order. 3 + 5 is the same as 5 + 3. Both equal 8!

Doubles Facts: Adding a number to itself: 2 + 2 = 4, 5 + 5 = 10. These are easy to remember!

Near Doubles: If you know 5 + 5 = 10, then 5 + 6 is just one more: 11.

Making Tens: Pairs that make 10 are especially important: 1+9, 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, 5+5.

Adding Ten: Adding 10 to any number is easy - just increase the tens place: 10 + 4 = 14.

Examples & Practice

Visual representation of addition word problems
Addition in everyday situations

Let's practice addition with some examples:

Example 1: Maria has 3 apples. Her friend gives her 2 more. How many apples does Maria have now?
Solution: 3 + 2 = 5 apples

Example 2: There are 4 birds on a tree. 3 more birds join them. How many birds are there altogether?
Solution: 4 + 3 = 7 birds

Example 3: Sam read 5 pages in the morning and 4 pages in the evening. How many pages did he read in total?
Solution: 5 + 4 = 9 pages

Example 4: Find the sum: 6 + 7
Solution: Using the addition table or mental strategies: 6 + 4 = 10, and 7 - 4 = 3, so 10 + 3 = 13

Practice solving these:
1. 8 + 2 = ?
2. 9 + 4 = ?
3. 7 + 5 = ?

Addition Practice Quiz

Test your addition skills with this 5-question quiz. Choose the correct answer for each question.

1. What is 5 + 3?
2. Which pair equals 10?
3. Maria has 4 pencils. She buys 3 more. How many does she have now?
4. What is the sum of 9 and 6?
5. Which property says that 4 + 5 is the same as 5 + 4?

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about addition tables:

Math Trivia

Discover interesting facts about addition and math:

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