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Add in Any Order

  • Grade 1
  • Mathematics
  • 1.OA.B.3
  • Operations & Algebraic Thinking
  • Free lesson

Aligned to 1.OA.B.3 — Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.

What this lesson teaches

When we add, we can switch the numbers around and still get the same answer.

Worked examples

Example 1

3 + 5 = 8. If we flip it, 5 + 3 = 8 too. Same answer!

Example 2

9 + 2 = 11 and 2 + 9 = 11. Starting at the bigger number is faster — you only count on 2.

Example 3

This trick is for adding only. 7 − 3 is 4, but 3 − 7 is not 4, so you cannot flip a subtraction.

Practice questions

  1. If 2 + 7 = 9, what is 7 + 2?
  2. If 4 + 6 = 10, what is 6 + 4?
  3. Show two ways to add to make 8.

Watch the lesson

Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.

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En español

Sumar en cualquier orden

Cuando sumamos, podemos cambiar los números de lugar y aún así obtener la misma respuesta.

Ejemplo 1: 3 + 5 = 8. Si lo volteamos, 5 + 3 = 8 también. ¡La misma respuesta!

Ejemplo 2: 9 + 2 = 11 y 2 + 9 = 11. Empezar por el número mayor es más rápido — solo cuentas 2 más.

Ejemplo 3: Este truco es solo para sumar. 7 − 3 es 4, pero 3 − 7 no es 4, así que no puedes voltear una resta.

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