Addition Strategies
There are many ways to add numbers in your head. Having different strategies means you can pick the easiest one for each problem.
Jump Strategy (Number Line)
Start at the bigger number. Jump in tens, then ones.
47 + 25
Start at 47
Jump +20 → 67
Jump +5 → 72
Split Strategy
Split both numbers into tens and ones. Add tens together, then ones, then add the totals.
36 + 43
30 + 40 = 70 (tens)
6 + 3 = 9 (ones)
70 + 9 = 79
Doubles and Near Doubles
If both numbers are the same, it is a double. If they are close, use a near double.
Double: 6 + 6 = 12
Near double: 6 + 7
= double 6 + 1 = 12 + 1 = 13
Make 10 (Bridging)
Round up to the nearest 10, then adjust. Or split one number to make 10 first.
8 + 6
8 needs 2 to make 10
Split 6 into 2 + 4
8 + 2 = 10, then 10 + 4 = 14
Which Strategy Should I Use?
| If the numbers are... | Try this strategy | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Close to equal (near doubles) | Near doubles | 7 + 8 |
| One number close to 10 | Make 10 | 9 + 5 |
| Two-digit numbers | Split strategy | 34 + 52 |
| Add a 2-digit to a 1-digit | Jump strategy | 45 + 8 |
Key Vocabulary
Knowledge Check
Question 1
Use the split strategy to solve 54 + 32. What is the answer?
Question 2
Use the near doubles strategy to solve 7 + 8.
Question 3
Use the Make 10 strategy to solve 9 + 7.
Question 4
Liam adds 46 + 27 using the jump strategy: start at 46, jump +20 to get 66, then jump +7 to get 73. Is he correct?
Lesson Summary
- ✓Jump strategy: start at the bigger number, jump in tens then ones along a number line.
- ✓Split strategy: split into tens and ones, add each part, then combine.
- ✓Near doubles: use a known double fact and adjust by 1 (e.g. 7 + 8 = double 7 + 1 = 15).
- ✓Make 10: move numbers to form a ten first, then add what is left.