Count On Addition - Definition, Examples, Quiz, FAQ, Trivia
Master the count on technique with simple explanations, visual examples, and practice activities
What is the Count On Strategy?
The count on strategy is a mental math technique for addition where you start with the larger number and count up by the smaller number. Instead of counting both groups from 1, you "hold" the larger number in your mind and count on from there.
This strategy is especially helpful for young learners because:
- It's faster than counting all objects
- It builds number sense
- It helps with mental math skills
- It prepares students for more advanced math concepts
Key Concept
Always start with the larger number when using the count on strategy!
How to Use the Count On Strategy
Let's learn how to use the count on strategy with these simple steps:
Step 1: Identify the larger number in the addition problem
Step 2: Start counting from that larger number
Step 3: Count up the number of times equal to the smaller number
Step 4: The number you land on is your answer!
Example: 5 + 3
1. 5 is larger than 3 → start at 5
2. Count on 3 numbers: 6, 7, 8
3. Answer: 8
Remember
The count on strategy works best when adding a small number (1-10) to a larger number.
Counting On with a Number Line
A number line is a great visual tool for practicing the count on strategy. Here's how to use it:
Step 1: Find the larger number on the number line
Step 2: Place your finger or a marker on that number
Step 3: Make "hops" to the right equal to the smaller number
Step 4: The number you land on is the answer
Example: 4 + 3 using a number line
Start at 4, hop 3 times: 5 → 6 → 7
Answer: 7
Practice Tip
Draw your own number lines to practice different addition problems!
Count On Examples
Let's look at more examples of the count on strategy:
Example 1: 8 + 2
Larger number: 8
Count on 2: 9, 10
Answer: 10
Example 2: 3 + 6
Larger number: 6
Count on 3: 7, 8, 9
Answer: 9
Example 3: 9 + 1
Larger number: 9
Count on 1: 10
Answer: 10
Example 4: 5 + 4
Larger number: 5
Count on 4: 6, 7, 8, 9
Answer: 9
Challenge
Try solving 7 + 3 using the count on strategy. Start with 7 and count on 3 numbers!
Count On Practice Quiz
Test your count on skills with this 5-question quiz. Choose the correct answer for each question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about the count on strategy:
Math Trivia
Discover interesting facts about addition and counting:
Ancient Counting
The earliest evidence of counting dates back over 40,000 years! Ancient people used tally marks on bones and stones to keep track of quantities.
Math and the Brain
Research shows that when we do mental math, multiple areas of our brain work together - including regions responsible for memory, visual processing, and logical thinking.
Fastest Mental Addition
The world record for adding fifteen 3-digit numbers is just 15.2 seconds! That's faster than most people can read the numbers!
Animals That Count
Many animals show basic counting abilities. Bees can count up to 4, fish can recognize quantities, and chimpanzees can learn to count and do simple addition!
