Here is an example.

Problem

Jenna decorated 4 cupcakes and her brother decorated 7. How many cupcakes did they decorate all together?

Solution #1

One way to solve this would be to memorize the fact 4 + 7 = 11 or  7 + 4 = 11

Solution #2

Another way would be to use a number line to "count on." Begin on the number line at the highest number, 7, then count on, moving your finger or a pencil 4 more numbers toward the higher numbers. The answer is the number you stop on. You could also use this "count on" method saying the numbers to yourself in your head or out loud. Start at 7. Say 8, 9, 10, 11.

Solution #3

Try to make 10 out of the two numbers put together. Think... "7 plus what equals 10? 7 + 3 equals ten, and the number I need to add to 7 is 4, one more than 3, SO my answer is one more than 10. My answer is 11."

These strategies can work for many different problems. Try out a few using each of the strategies and find the one that works best for you.

Click on the addition sign for practice.