Introduction to Addition

Kindergarten · Math · Study Guide

Learn what addition means and how to add small numbers together.

Addition means putting two groups together to find out how many there are in all. When we add, we always get a bigger number.

The plus sign (+) tells us to add. The equals sign (=) tells us the answer. So 3 + 2 = 5 means we put 3 things and 2 things together to get 5 things in all.

You can add using your fingers! Hold up 3 fingers on one hand and 2 fingers on the other hand. Count all your fingers and you get 5. You can also count objects, draw pictures, or use a number line.

On a number line, you start at the first number and hop forward the second number of times. Start at 3, hop 2 times, and you land on 5.

The answer in an addition problem is called the sum. In 3 + 2 = 5, the sum is 5.

Addition is all around us! If you have 2 apples and someone gives you 3 more, you now have 5 apples. Addition helps us count things in real life every day.

Key terms

Addition: Putting two or more groups together to find the total.
Plus (+): The symbol that means we are adding.
Equals (=): The symbol that means the answer; both sides have the same value.
Sum: The answer you get when you add two or more numbers.
Number Line: A line with numbers in order used to help count and add.
Total: The whole amount when you put groups together.

Flashcards

Add: To put groups together to find the total.
Plus Sign (+): The symbol that means add. 2 + 3 means add 2 and 3.
Equals Sign (=): The symbol that shows the answer. 2 + 3 = 5.
Sum: The answer in an addition problem. In 4 + 2 = 6, the sum is 6.
1 + 1 = ?: 2! One plus one equals two.
2 + 2 = ?: 4! Two plus two equals four.
3 + 2 = ?: 5! Three plus two equals five.
0 + 5 = ?: 5! Adding zero to any number keeps it the same.

Questions

What is 2 + 3?
1. 4
2. 5
3. 6
4. 7
Show answer
Answer: 5
2 + 3 = 5. Count 2 fingers and then 3 more to get 5 total.
The plus sign (+) means we are adding.
Show answer
Answer: True
The plus sign (+) always means we are adding two numbers together.
4 + 1 = ___
Show answer
Answer: 5
4 + 1 = 5. Count on from 4: one more makes 5.
There are 1 cat and 4 kittens. How many cats are there in all?
1. 3
2. 4
3. 5
4. 6
Show answer
Answer: 5
1 cat + 4 kittens = 5 cats in all. 1 + 4 = 5.
When you add two numbers together, you always get a bigger number.
Show answer
Answer: True
When you add any positive number, the sum is always larger than where you started. (Adding zero keeps the number the same.)

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