Break Apart a 2-Digit Number to Add
πͺ The Splitting Spell! What if you break BOTH numbers into tens and ones and add them separately? This is the fastest mental trick of all.
Do this: Read the concept below, then try the quiz or activity.
Concept
Sometimes you don't have paper to draw a number line. You just have your brain.
π― The "Split and Squish" Trick: Example: 42 + 35 = ? Don't try to hold the whole numbers in your head! Split them into Tens and Ones. * 42 is 40 and 2 * 35 is 30 and 5
1. Add the Tens together: 40 + 30 = 70. (Lock "70" in your brain). 2. Add the Ones together: 2 + 5 = 7. 3. Squish the answers together: 70 + 7 = 77! So, 42 + 35 = 77.
You broke a hard problem down into two super easy facts that a kindergartener could do!
Try it
Split and Squish!
Instructions: Split the numbers into tens and ones. Add the tens. Add the ones. Squish them!
Problem 1: 53 + 24 = ? * Tens: 50 + 20 = ___ * Ones: 3 + 4 = ___ * Squish: ___ + ___ = ___
Problem 2: 36 + 41 = ? * Tens: 30 + 40 = ___ * Ones: 6 + 1 = ___ * Answer: ___
Problem 3: 72 + 15 = ? * Answer: ___
Problem 4: 28 + 61 = ? * Answer: ___