Class 1 — Mathematics

Addition

Class 1

✓Understand addition as 'putting together' or 'combining' groups of objects.
✓Identify and correctly use the addition symbol '+' and the equals symbol '='.
✓Add two single-digit numbers accurately.
✓Add a single-digit number to a two-digit number, with sums up to 20.
✓Solve simple word problems involving addition.

Key concepts

What is Addition? (Putting Together)

Addition means joining two or more groups of things to find how many there are in total. We 'put together' different numbers of items to get a bigger number. For example, if you have 3 pencils and your friend gives you 2 more pencils, you put them together to find the total number of pencils.

The Plus Sign (+)

The plus sign '+' is used to show addition. When you see this sign between two numbers, it means you have to add them. For example, 3 + 2 means '3 put together with 2'.

The Equals Sign (=)

The equals sign '=' means 'is equal to' or 'is the same as'. It tells us the answer after we add the numbers. For example, 3 + 2 = 5 means '3 put together with 2 is equal to 5'.

Adding Numbers up to 20

We can add numbers by counting forward. Start with the first number and then count forward the number of times shown by the second number. You can use your fingers, draw dots, or count objects to help you add numbers up to 20.

Key facts to remember

1Addition means putting things together to find the total.
2The symbol for addition is '+', which is read as 'plus'.
3The symbol '=' means 'is equal to' or 'is the same as'.
4When you add 0 to any number, the number stays the same (e.g., 5 + 0 = 5).
5You can add numbers in any order, and the answer will be the same (e.g., 2 + 3 = 5 and 3 + 2 = 5).
6Counting forward is a good way to add numbers.

Worked examples

Example 1

Add 4 and 3. How many are there in total?

ILet us take 4 red balls. (Imagine 🔴🔴🔴🔴)

IINow, let us take 3 blue balls. (Imagine 🔵🔵🔵)

IIILet us put all the balls together and count them: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

IVSo, 4 + 3 = 7.

Answer

You can use your fingers to count! Start with 4, then count 3 more fingers: 5, 6, 7.

Example 2

Find the sum of 8 and 5.

IWe need to add 8 and 5. We write it as 8 + 5.

IIStart counting from 8. Count 5 steps forward.

IIIAfter 8, we count: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

IVSo, 8 + 5 = 13.

Answer

Always start counting from the bigger number to make it easier to count forward.

Example 3

There are 12 birds on a tree. 6 more birds come and sit on the tree. How many birds are there in total?

IFirst, there were 12 birds.

IIThen, 6 more birds came. We need to add them: 12 + 6.

IIIStart counting from 12. Count 6 steps forward.

IVAfter 12, we count: 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

VSo, 12 + 6 = 18.

Answer

18 birds

Reading the question carefully helps you know if you need to add or not.

Common mistakes

✗Confusing the '+' sign with other signs like '-' (minus).
✗Counting incorrectly or skipping numbers when counting forward.
✗Not understanding that 'putting together' or 'in total' means addition.
✗Forgetting to count all the items when using objects or drawings to help with addition.

Exam tips

★Always count very carefully. You can count twice to check your answer.
★Use your fingers, draw dots, or make lines to help you add, especially for bigger numbers.
★Read the question slowly and carefully to understand what you need to do.
★Practice adding numbers every day to become good and fast at it!

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