K-5 friendly lesson
One small step at a time.Read the idea, try the activity, and celebrate each win as you go.
Strategies for Adding 4, 5, and 6
🔧 Let's add some powerful new tools to your math toolbox! Instead of just counting, let's learn smart strategies to add 4, 5, and 6 to any number.
Do this: Read the concept below, then try the quiz or activity.
Lesson 38 of 180
Concept
Memorizing is good, but understanding is better! Let's learn how to THINK through these problems.
Strategy for Adding 5: Five is a friendly number because it's half of 10. We can use 10 as a helper! * Example: 7 + 5 * Think of 5 as 3 + 2. * Give 3 to the 7 to make 10! (7 + 3 = 10) * Then add the leftover 2. (10 + 2 = 12). * So, 7 + 5 = 12.
Strategy for Adding 6: Six is just "5 and 1 more". * Example: 8 + 6 * Think of 6 as 5 + 1. * First, add the 5: 8 + 5 = 13. * Then, add the extra 1: 13 + 1 = 14. * So, 8 + 6 = 14.
Strategy for Adding 4: Four is like "2 and 2". You can add 2 twice! * Example: 7 + 4 * Think of 4 as 2 + 2. * First, add 2: 7 + 2 = 9. * Add 2 again: 9 + 2 = 11. * So, 7 + 4 = 11.
Try it
Let's practice our new strategies!
Instructions: Solve the problem, and try to use the suggested strategy.
Problem 1 (Adding 5): Solve 8 + 5. * Hint: Break 5 into 2 and 3 to help the 8 make 10. * 8 + 2 = 10 * 10 + 3 = ___
Problem 2 (Adding 6): Solve 7 + 6. * Hint: Think of 6 as "5 + 1". * 7 + 5 = 12 * 12 + 1 = ___
Problem 3 (Adding 4): Solve 9 + 4. * Hint: Think of 4 as "2 + 2". * 9 + 2 = 11 * 11 + 2 = ___
Your Turn! Choose any strategy. 4. 6 + 5 = ___ 5. 8 + 4 = ___ 6. 9 + 6 = ___
🏆 Three Numbers Challenge: How would you solve 5 + 4 + 5? * Hint: Can you find a double first? (5+5) * (5 + 5) + 4 = ? * 10 + 4 = ___