Simple Addition Word Problems
Sometimes an addition problem is not given as a number sentence. Instead, it is described using words.
These are called word problems. To solve them, we need to understand the situation, identify the quantities and find the total.
Learning Objectives
- Understand simple addition word problems.
- Identify the important numbers in a problem.
- Recognise when addition is needed.
- Write an addition sentence.
- Find and explain the answer.
What Is a Word Problem?
A word problem describes a real or imaginary situation using words. We need to use mathematics to find the answer.
Aman has 3 pencils. His teacher gives him 2 more pencils. How many pencils does Aman have now?
Aman has 5 pencils.
Step 1 — Read the Problem
Read the problem carefully. Try to understand what is happening.
Do not immediately calculate. First understand the situation.
Step 2 — Find the Important Numbers
Look for the quantities that are being combined.
Sara has 4 red balloons and 3 blue balloons.
Step 3 — Decide What Operation to Use
Ask whether the quantities are being put together.
If we need to find how many there are altogether, addition is usually needed.
Step 4 — Solve the Addition
Once you know that addition is needed, solve the number sentence.
Step 5 — Answer the Question
Do not stop after writing the number. Explain what the number means in the situation.
Sara has 4 red balloons and 3 blue balloons.
Answer: Sara has 7 balloons altogether.
Example 1
Ravi has 2 toy cars. His brother gives him 3 more. How many toy cars does Ravi have altogether?
Ravi has 5 toy cars altogether.
Example 2
There are 5 birds on a tree. 2 more birds come to the tree. How many birds are there now?
There are 7 birds now.
Example 3
A basket has 4 apples and 4 oranges. How many fruits are there altogether?
There are 8 fruits altogether.
Words That Can Help
Some words can help us notice that quantities are being combined.
- altogether
- in all
- total
- more
- combined
These words are clues, but you should always read the complete situation and understand what is happening before choosing addition.
Common Mistakes
- Using every number without understanding the problem.
- Choosing addition without understanding the situation.
- Forgetting what the question is asking.
- Giving only a number without explaining the answer.
Practice
1. Neha has 3 pencils and gets 2 more. How many pencils does she have?
2. There are 4 cats in a garden and 3 more arrive. How many cats are there?
3. Ali has 5 marbles and his friend gives him 2 more. How many marbles does Ali have?
4. There are 2 red balls and 6 blue balls. How many balls are there altogether?
5. A box has 4 crayons. Another box has 3 crayons. How many crayons are there in total?
Try It Yourself
Create your own simple addition story using two groups of objects. Write the story, identify the numbers, write the addition sentence and solve it.
Quick Revision
- Read the whole problem carefully.
- Find the important quantities.
- Understand what the question is asking.
- Use addition when quantities are being combined.
- Write the addition sentence.
- Give the answer in the context of the problem.
Chapter Complete
You have now completed Chapter 3 — Addition.
You learned what addition means, how to add objects and pictures, how to understand simple addition facts, how to add numbers and how addition can be used in everyday situations and word problems.
These skills will become important as you continue learning mathematics and begin working with larger numbers and other mathematical operations.