Fun With Give and Take
Time to master addition and subtraction! We'll tackle **word problems** that require **two or more steps** and learn **smart strategies** to make calculations faster and simpler, especially in your head.
- Select a concept below to explore advanced math ideas.
- Learn strategies like **Breaking Numbers** for easier mental math.
- Practice solving a **Multi-Step Word Problem**.
- Understand how to **identify and plan** the steps in complex problems.
- Test your arithmetic knowledge with the **Practice Quiz** button.
Complex word problems often require two or more operations. We must first identify the correct sequence of addition and subtraction to reach the final answer. Strategies help simplify these steps.
Strategies for Mental Arithmetic
To add or subtract faster, especially in your head, break numbers into their place values (Hundreds, Tens, Ones) and add/subtract each part separately. This is easier than trying to solve the entire sum at once.
Example: **$53 + 26$** is easier as **$(50 + 20) + (3 + 6) = 70 + 9 = 79$**
| Strategy | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Make 10 or 100 | Adjust one number to a neat 10 or 100, then adjust the answer. | $198 + 45 = (200 + 45) - 2 = 243$ |
| Front-End Addition | Add the largest place values first (Hundreds), then Tens, then Ones. | $345 + 123 \to (300+100) + (40+20) + (5+3)$ |
Word problems with two steps require careful planning:
- **Step 1 (Add or Subtract):** Answer the first question the problem asks (e.g., finding the total number of items bought).
- **Step 2 (Subtract or Add):** Use the result from Step 1 to answer the final question (e.g., finding the change remaining).
Practice regularly to strengthen your ability to hold numbers and partial sums in your mind. Focus on making multiples of 10 for faster calculation.
