How it works
To add three numbers, find a pair to add first.
Look for two that make ten, or a double.
The order doesn't matter, so add in any order.
Worked examples
Pair up the fives
- 6 + 5 + 5 = ?
- 5 + 5 = 10. Then 10 + 6 = 16.
- So the answer is 16.
Make ten first
- 5 + 1 + 9 = ?
- 1 + 9 = 10. Then 10 + 5 = 15.
- So the answer is 15.
A story with three
- Sam has 2 red cars, 5 blue cars and 2 green cars.
- 2 + 2 = 4. Then 4 + 5 = 9.
- So Sam has 9 cars.
A taste of the worksheet
These are the first problems of set A. The printable sheet has many more, with an answer key.
- Add all three groups. How many apples are there in all? ___
- Which two groups make ten?
- How many stars in all? Find two groups that make ten first. ___
- 1 + 8 + 2 = 10 + ___
- Count the three groups of balloons. How many are there in all? ___
Words to know
- add
- To put numbers together.
- make ten
- Find two numbers that add to 10.