Mental Addition

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

The track team ran a total of 13 miles the first week of practice. They ran 24 miles the second week of practice.

• How many miles did they run in all?

Solve the problem on your own.

• Did you get an answer of 37 miles?

Great job!

• How fast did you solve the problem?
• Did you use paper and pencil or a calculator to find the sum?
• Could you solve the problem in your head?

To solve an addition problem quickly, you can use mental math. Mental math allows you to solve a problem without a calculator, computer, or pencil and paper.

Learn strategies that you can use to add one- and two-digit numbers with mental math. Read Mental Math Addition (Math-Only-Math.com).

When you solve an addition problem, you might use the thinking tricks from Addition Tips and Tricks from MathIsFun.com. Consider the following questions:

• Can you count up from a number or use the jump strategy?
• Can you add up to ten, do the tens last, or aim for ten?
• Would it be helpful to round the numbers in the compensation method?

Race to the Got It? section to use your new mental addition strategies!