K-5 friendly lesson

One small step at a time.Read the idea, try the activity, and celebrate each win as you go.

Mastering Small Additions (+0, +1, +2, +3)

🚀 Let's learn some super-fast mental math tricks! Adding 0, 1, 2, or 3 to any number is easy once you know the secrets. Let's master these small additions!

Do this: Read the concept below, then try the quiz or activity.

Lesson 35 of 180

Concept

These are some of the most common addition problems you'll see. Knowing the strategy for them makes everything faster!

The Zero Hero Rule (+0):
This is the easiest one! Adding zero doesn't change the number at all. It's like adding nothing!
*   8 + 0 = 8
*   15 + 0 = 15

The "Just the Next Number" Rule (+1):
Adding 1 simply means you say the next number when you count.
*   6 + 1 = 7 (7 is the next number after 6)
*   12 + 1 = 13

The "Count On 2" Strategy (+2):
To add 2, just start at your number and count on the next two numbers.
*   5 + 2 = ? -> Think "5..." then say "6, 7". The answer is 7.
*   11 + 2 = ? -> Think "11..." then say "12, 13". The answer is 13.

The "Count On 3" Strategy (+3):
It's the same idea! Start at your number and count on the next three numbers.
*   4 + 3 = ? -> Think "4..." then say "5, 6, 7". The answer is 7.
*   10 + 3 = ? -> Think "10..." then say "11, 12, 13". The answer is 13.

Mastering these small additions will make bigger problems much easier!

Try it

Let's practice our new strategies!

Instructions: Solve these problems using the best mental math trick.

Part 1: The Zero Hero 1. 9 + 0 = ___ 2. 17 + 0 = ___

Part 2: The Next Number 3. 8 + 1 = ___ 4. 14 + 1 = ___

Part 3: Count On 2 5. 7 + 2 = ___ 6. 13 + 2 = ___

Part 4: Count On 3 7. 6 + 3 = ___ 8. 15 + 3 = ___

MIXED-UP CHALLENGE! Use your brain! Which strategy will you use for each one? 9. 18 + 1 = ___ 10. 5 + 3 = ___ 11. 19 + 0 = ___ 12. 9 + 2 = ___

Complete & Continue →