Add Whole Numbers
Use Addition Notation
A college student has a part-time job. Last week he worked hours on Monday and hours on Friday. To find the total number of hours he worked last week, he added and
The operation of addition combines numbers to get a sum. The notation we use to find the sum of and is:
We read this as three plus four and the result is the sum of three and four. The numbers and are called the addends. A math statement that includes numbers and operations is called an expression.
- ⓐ
- ⓑ
Solution
Solution
- ⓐ The expression consists of a plus symbol connecting the addends 7 and 1. We read this as seven plus one. The result is the sum of seven and one.
- ⓑ The expression consists of a plus symbol connecting the addends 12 and 14. We read this as twelve plus fourteen. The result is the sum of twelve and fourteen.
Model Addition of Whole Numbers
Addition is really just counting. We will model addition with blocks. Remember, a block represents and a rod represents Let’s start by modeling the addition expression we just considered,
Each addend is less than so we can use ones blocks.
| We start by modeling the first number with 3 blocks. | ![]() |
| Then we model the second number with 4 blocks. | ![]() |
| Count the total number of blocks. | ![]() |
There are blocks in all. We use an equal sign to show the sum. A math sentence that shows that two expressions are equal is called an equation. We have shown that.
Model the addition
Solution
Solution
means the sum of and
Each addend is less than 10, so we can use ones blocks.
| Model the first number with 2 blocks. | ![]() |
| Model the second number with 6 blocks. | ![]() |
| Count the total number of blocks |
![]() There are blocks in all, so |
When the result is or more ones blocks, we will exchange the blocks for one rod.
Model the addition
Solution
Solution
means the sum of and
| Each addend is less than 10, se we can use ones blocks. | |
| Model the first number with 5 blocks. | ![]() |
| Model the second number with 8 blocks. | ![]() |
| Count the result. There are more than 10 blocks so we exchange 10 ones blocks for 1 tens rod. | ![]() |
| Now we have 1 ten and 3 ones, which is 13. | 5 + 8 = 13 |
Notice that we can describe the models as ones blocks and tens rods, or we can simply say ones and tens. From now on, we will use the shorter version but keep in mind that they mean the same thing.
Next we will model adding two digit numbers.
Model the addition:
Solution
Solution
means the sum of 17 and 26.
| Model the 17. | 1 ten and 7 ones | ![]() |
| Model the 26. | 2 tens and 6 ones | ![]() |
| Combine. | 3 tens and 13 ones | ![]() |
| Exchange 10 ones for 1 ten. | 4 tens and 3 ones |
![]() |
| We have shown that |
Add Whole Numbers Without Models
Now that we have used models to add numbers, we can move on to adding without models. Before we do that, make sure you know all the one digit addition facts. You will need to use these number facts when you add larger numbers.
Imagine filling in Table 6 by adding each row number along the left side to each column number across the top. Make sure that you get each sum shown. If you have trouble, model it. It is important that you memorize any number facts you do not already know so that you can quickly and reliably use the number facts when you add larger numbers.
| + | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
Did you notice what happens when you add zero to a number? The sum of any number and zero is the number itself. We call this the Identity Property of Addition. Zero is called the additive identity.
- ⓐ
- ⓑ
Solution
Solution
| ⓐ The first addend is zero. The sum of any number and zero is the number. | |
| ⓑ The second addend is zero. The sum of any number and zero is the number. |
Look at the pairs of sums.
Notice that when the order of the addends is reversed, the sum does not change. This property is called the Commutative Property of Addition, which states that changing the order of the addends does not change their sum.
Add:
- ⓐ
- ⓑ
Solution
Solution
-
This table demonstrates an example of an addition operation, specifically 8 plus 7, yielding 15. ⓐ Add. -
Details for addition problem 'ⓑ', showing the expression '7+8' and its sum '15'. ⓑ Add.
Did you notice that changing the order of the addends did not change their sum? We could have immediately known the sum from part ⓑ just by recognizing that the addends were the same as in part ⓐ , but in the reverse order. As a result, both sums are the same.
Add:
Solution
Solution
To add numbers with more than one digit, it is often easier to write the numbers vertically in columns.
| Write the numbers so the ones and tens digits line up vertically. | |
| Then add the digits in each place value. Add the ones: Add the tens: |
In the previous example, the sum of the ones and the sum of the tens were both less than But what happens if the sum is or more? Let’s use our model to find out. Figure 1 shows the addition of and again.
When we add the ones, we get ones. Because we have more than ones, we can exchange of the ones for ten. Now we have tens and ones. Without using the model, we show this as a small red above the digits in the tens place.
When the sum in a place value column is greater than we carry over to the next column to the left. Carrying is the same as regrouping by exchanging. For example, ones for ten or tens for hundred.
Add:
Solution
Solution
| Write the numbers so the digits line up vertically. | |
| Add the digits in each place. Add the ones: |
|
| Write the in the ones place in the sum. Add the ten to the tens place. |
|
| Now add the tens: Write the 11 in the sum. |
Add:
Solution
Solution
| Write the numbers so the digits line up vertically. | ![]() |
| Add the digits in each place value. Add the ones: Write the in the ones place in the sum and carry the ten to the tens place. |
![]() |
| Add the tens: Write the in the tens place in the sum and carry the hundred to the hundreds |
![]() |
| Add the hundreds: Write the in the hundreds place. |
![]() |
Add:
Solution
Solution
| Write the numbers so the digits line up vertically. | |
| Add the digits in each place value. | |
| Add the ones: Write the in the ones place of the sum and carry the ten to the tens place. |
|
| Add the tens: Write the in the tens place and carry the hundred to the hundreds place. |
|
| Add the hundreds: Write the in the hundreds place and carry the thousand to the thousands place. |
|
| Add the thousands . Write the in the thousands place of the sum. |
When the addends have different numbers of digits, be careful to line up the corresponding place values starting with the ones and moving toward the left.
Add:
Solution
Solution
| Write the numbers so the place values line up vertically. | |
| Add the digits in each place value. | |
| Add the ones: Write the in the ones place of the sum and carry the to the tens place. |
|
| Add the tens: Write the in the tens place and carry the to the hundreds place. |
|
| Add the hundreds: Write the in the hundreds place and carry the to the thousands place. |
|
| Add the thousands . Write the in the thousands place and carry the to the ten thousands place. |
|
| Add the ten-thousands . Write the in the ten thousands place in the sum. |
This example had three addends. We can add any number of addends using the same process as long as we are careful to line up the place values correctly.
Translate Word Phrases to Math Notation
Earlier in this section, we translated math notation into words. Now we’ll reverse the process. We’ll translate word phrases into math notation. Some of the word phrases that indicate addition are listed in Table 16.
| Operation | Words | Example | Expression |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addition | plus sum increased by more than total of added to |
plus the sum of and increased by more than the total of and added to |
|
Translate and simplify: the sum of and
Solution
Solution
The word sum tells us to add. The words of and tell us the addends.
| The sum of and | |
| Translate. | |
| Add. | |
| The sum of and is |
Translate and simplify: increased by
Solution
Solution
The words increased by tell us to add. The numbers given are the addends.
| increased by | |
| Translate. | |
| Add. | |
| So increased by is |
Add Whole Numbers in Applications
Now that we have practiced adding whole numbers, let’s use what we’ve learned to solve real-world problems. We’ll start by outlining a plan. First, we need to read the problem to determine what we are looking for. Then we write a word phrase that gives the information to find it. Next we translate the word phrase into math notation and then simplify. Finally, we write a sentence to answer the question.
Hao earned grades of on the five tests of the semester. What is the total number of points he earned on the five tests?
Solution
Solution
We are asked to find the total number of points on the tests.
| Write a phrase. | the sum of points on the tests |
| Translate to math notation. | |
| Then we simplify by adding. | |
| Since there are several numbers, we will write them vertically. | |
| Write a sentence to answer the question. | Hao earned a total of 432 points. |
Notice that we added points, so the sum is points. It is important to include the appropriate units in all answers to applications problems.
Some application problems involve shapes. For example, a person might need to know the distance around a garden to put up a fence or around a picture to frame it. The perimeter is the distance around a geometric figure. The perimeter of a figure is the sum of the lengths of its sides.
Find the perimeter of the patio shown.
Solution
Solution
| We are asked to find the perimeter. | |
| Write a phrase. | the sum of the sides |
| Translate to math notation. | |
| Simplify by adding. | |
| Write a sentence to answer the question. | |
| We added feet, so the sum is feet. | The perimeter of the patio is feet. |
Key Concepts
-
Addition Notation To describe addition, we can use symbols and words.
Operation Notation Expression Read as Result Addition three plus four the sum of and -
Identity Property of Addition
- The sum of any number and is the number.
-
Commutative Property of Addition
- Changing the order of the addends and does not change their sum. .
-
Add whole numbers.
- Write the numbers so each place value lines up vertically.
- Add the digits in each place value. Work from right to left starting with the ones place. If a sum in a place value is more than 9, carry to the next place value.
- Continue adding each place value from right to left, adding each place value and carrying if needed.
Practice Makes Perfect
Use Addition Notation
In the following exercises, translate the following from math expressions to words.
Solution
five plus two; the sum of 5 and 2.
Solution
thirteen plus eighteen; the sum of 13 and 18.
Solution
two hundred fourteen plus six hundred forty-two; the sum of 214 and 642
Model Addition of Whole Numbers
In the following exercises, model the addition.
Solution
Solution
Solution
Solution
Add Whole Numbers
In the following exercises, fill in the missing values in each chart.
Solution
Solution
Solution
In the following exercises, add.
- ⓐ
- ⓑ
Solution
- ⓐ 13
- ⓑ 13
- ⓐ
- ⓑ
- ⓐ
- ⓑ
Solution
- ⓐ
- ⓑ
- ⓐ
- ⓑ
Solution
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Translate Word Phrases to Math Notation
In the following exercises, translate each phrase into math notation and then simplify.
the sum of and
Solution
the sum of and
the sum of and
Solution
the sum of and
increased by
Solution
increased by
more than
Solution
more than
the total of and
Solution
the total of and
added to
Solution
added to
Add Whole Numbers in Applications
In the following exercises, solve the problem.
Home remodeling Sophia remodeled her kitchen and bought a new range, microwave, and dishwasher. The range cost the microwave cost and the dishwasher cost What was the total cost of these three appliances?
Solution
The total cost was $1,875.
Sports equipment Aiden bought a baseball bat, helmet, and glove. The bat cost the helmet cost and the glove cost What was the total cost of Aiden’s sports equipment?
Bike riding Ethan rode his bike miles on Monday, miles on Tuesday, miles on Wednesday, miles on Friday, and miles on Saturday. What was the total number of miles Ethan rode?
Solution
Ethan rode 138 miles.
Business Chloe has a flower shop. Last week she made floral arrangements on Monday, on Tuesday, on Wednesday, on Thursday, and on Friday. What was the total number of floral arrangements Chloe made?
Apartment size Jackson lives in a room apartment. The number of square feet in each room is and What is the total number of square feet in all rooms?
Solution
The total square footage in the rooms is 1,167 square feet.
Weight Seven men rented a fishing boat. The weights of the men were and pounds. What was the total weight of the seven men?
Salary Last year Natalie’s salary was Two years ago, her salary was and three years ago it was What is the total amount of Natalie’s salary for the past three years?
Solution
Natalie’s total salary is $237,186.
Home sales Emma is a realtor. Last month, she sold three houses. The selling prices of the houses were and What was the total of the three selling prices?
In the following exercises, find the perimeter of each figure.
Solution
The perimeter of the figure is 44 inches.
Solution
The perimeter of the figure is 56 meters.
Solution
The perimeter of the figure is 71 yards.
Solution
The perimeter of the figure is 62 feet.
Everyday Math
Calories Paulette had a grilled chicken salad, ranch dressing, and a drink for lunch. On the restaurant’s nutrition chart, she saw that each item had the following number of calories:
Grilled chicken salad – calories
Ranch dressing – calories
drink – calories
What was the total number of calories of Paulette’s lunch?
Solution
The total number of calories was 640.
Calories Fred had a grilled chicken sandwich, a small order of fries, and a chocolate shake for dinner. The restaurant’s nutrition chart lists the following calories for each item:
Grilled chicken sandwich – calories
Small fries – calories
chocolate shake – calories
What was the total number of calories of Fred’s dinner?
Test scores A student needs a total of points on five tests to pass a course. The student scored Did the student pass the course?
Solution
Yes, he scored 406 points.
Elevators The maximum weight capacity of an elevator is pounds. Six men are in the elevator. Their weights are pounds. Is the total weight below the elevator’s maximum capacity?
Solution
Yes, the total weight is 1091 pounds.
Writing Exercises
How confident do you feel about your knowledge of the addition facts? If you are not fully confident, what will you do to improve your skills?
Solution
Answers will vary.
How have you used models to help you learn the addition facts?
Self Check
ⓐ After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.

ⓑ After reviewing this checklist, what will you do to become confident for all objectives?
















