Maths Topics
Dictionary
Addition An operation joining two or more sets where the result is the whole. When adding we use the plus sign '+'.
Commutative property The order in which two numbers are added does not affect the results. The commutative property does not apply to subtraction.
Number line A line that shows numbers ordered by magnitude from left to right or bottom to top; equal intervals are marked and labelled.
Addition games & exercises
There are many ways you can add numbers - by counting on or counting up; with a number line; by re-ordering numbers; by exchanging numbers; determining number pairs ("bonds"); or adding in column form.
Try some of those methods here, and mug up on your addition skills with our games and exercises below. Click an image to load the lesson in a new window, or subscribe to Maths-Whizz to get hundreds more lessons.
Foundation Addition
Find one more than a number from 1 to 9
There's always at least one duck running late! Count the ducks into the double-decker bus and add one more.
Find a total by counting on...
Some mice are already in the hole. The brave (or foolhardy ones) are waiting outside to give the cat a run for his money. Count them all to chase them back in, the cheeky blighters...
Year 1 Addition
Understanding addition (counting all)
Lots of soldiers, but no egg. Basic addition is just like counting up. Give these wooden warriors their marching orders!
Addition can be done in any order
It's that cat again. He's moved from mice to dice. Show him that addition can be done in any order by filling in the missing number, but watch out for those claws!
Year 2 Addition
Adding three 1-digit numbers
Add the numbers on the pupae to find the total and reveal some beautiful butterflies. Move things about to make counting up easier.
Addition facts with totals up to 10
Be speedy with some musical maths. Answer each question before the record runs out - you've only got a few seconds.
Year 3 Addition
Informal methods to support HTU + TU
Adding larger numbers is a doddle - picture them on a number line and hop in steps of tens and ones to get to the total.
Knowing addition facts by heart
Jacques Cousteau never had it this tough. Find the pirate parrot medallions scattered across the shipwreck, but you can only keep them if you solve the maths questions.
More Addition Exercises
Year 4 Addition
Adding 3 or 4 small numbers, finding pairs...
When adding lots of numbers, it often helps to pair them up. It's a moonlit night, so gather the fireflies to find the total.
HTU + TU (exchanging once)
As every pencil knows, you've got to carry the tens when the units add up to more than 10. Show the perky pencil that you know how it's done.
Year 5 Addition
Identify near doubles
This robot needs a re-wire. His spatula feet and frying pan hands are all over the place. Add two similar numbers by using doubling to sort the robot out.
Derive quickly two-digit pairs that total 100
Match the card pairs that make 100 in this speedy number bonds game. You've only got a minute, so have your wits about you!
Year 6 Addition
Add the nearest multiple of 1, then adjust
Did you know that snails play the drums with their stalky eyes? Neither did we, but we think David Attenborough would be impressed. The snail will help you add these decimals.
Column addition of two numbers < 100 000
Big numbers need a big scroll. Pretend you're old King Cole, adding up your money with quill and ink by candle-flame.
Year 7 Addition
Rapid recall of integer and decimal complements
Darts is great for building maths skills. Aim your dart at the correct missing number with our Maths-Whizz version.
Miss, and you might do someone an injury!
Column procedures to add whole numbers
Check your estimation skills with this retro-styled pencil-and-paper methods exercise. Add the numbers to get an 8-bit animation.
Year 8 Addition
Use the laws of arithmetic
Commutativity, distributivity, and all that jazz. If the fish give the same answer, it's 'snap' from the alligator; if not, they get a lucky escape!
Recall complements in missing-number questions
The dungeon master has set you a challenge. Find the missing numbers in time to keep that troll under control.