Adding three one-digit numbers together

What is addition?

Addition is finding the total of two or more numbers.

You use the addition sign (+) when you want to add one number to another.

Addition calculations also use the equals sign (=).

The left side and the right side of the calculation must have the same value.

Quiz: Adding three one-digit numbers together

Why not see how much you know about this topic already? Then work through the page and see if you can beat your score.

What is addition?

Let’s look at an example.

First there were 3 children at the bus stop and then 1 more child came along.

How many are there now?

You could write this as an addition like this.

3 + 1 = 4

3 and 1 makes 4. So there are 4 children altogether.

You can also use a part-whole model to help you show this.

You can add the parts together in any order.

3 + 1 = 4

1 + 3 = 4

It doesn’t matter which order you add the numbers, the answer is the same.

Adding three numbers in any order

Now let's look at adding together three sets of objects.

Using number bonds to 10

When you add three numbers together, look for number bonds to 10.

These are pairs of numbers that add up to 10.

Example