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Make a Number Line to Add — Let's Practise!

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Basics on the topic Make a Number Line to Add — Let's Practise!

Adding with a Number Line – Introduction

We're diving into the world of adding with a number line. This method is a fantastic way to visualise addition and make it easier to understand. Get your paper and pencil ready because we're going to practise this together!

What Is Addition with a Number Line?

Addition with a number line involves drawing a number line, placing the larger number on the left, and then moving forwards to the right in small steps equal to the second number. This visual approach helps us to see how numbers add up.

Here are the steps to tackle addition with a number line:

Step # Action
1 Read the problem and determine what you are asked to find.
2 Draw a number line and place the larger number on the left.
3 Count forwards in small steps equal to the second number.
4 Land on the final number, which is your sum.
5 Check your answer to ensure it makes sense with the problem.

Let's practise understanding addition with a number line with a few examples.

Solving Addition with a Number Line – Example

Example 1:

Mr. Squeaks has 34 screws and 26 nails. How many does he have altogether?

Steps to Solve the Problem:

Step # Action
1 Draw a number line.
2 Put the larger number (34) on the left.
3 Count forwards by 26 steps.

Total: 60

26074SEO1_(1).png

Example 2:

Mr. Squeaks has 50 green paper clips and 16 blue ones. How many does he have altogether?

Steps to Solve the Problem:

Step # Action
1 Draw a number line.
2 Put the larger number (50) on the left.
3 Count forwards by 16 steps.

Total: 66

26074SEO2_(1).png

Example 3:

Imani has 62 mini-erasers and 22 stickers. How many things do they have in total?

Steps to Solve the Problem:

Step # Action
1 Draw a number line.
2 Put the larger number (62) on the left.
3 Count forwards by 22 steps.

Total: 84

26074SEO3_(1).png

Solving Addition with a Number Line – Application

Now, let's put your skills to the test. Solve these problems on your own, and check the solutions when you're ready!

Solving Addition with a Number Line – Summary

Key Learnings from this Text:

  • Solving addition problems on a number line can be achieved by following these steps:
Step # Action
1 Read the problem and determine what you are asked to find.
2 Draw a number line and place the larger number on the left.
3 Count forwards in small steps equal to the second number.
4 Land on the final number, which is your sum.
5 Check your answer to ensure it makes sense with the problem.
  • Mastering addition on a number line is an important visual maths skill.

Keep practising these steps, and you'll become a pro at adding numbers on a number line! Check out more fun maths challenges and exercises on our website to continue sharpening your skills.

Solving Addition with a Number Line – Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we use a number line for addition?
Can I use a number line for subtraction?
What if I land on a number that seems wrong?
Can I add more than two numbers on a number line?
How can I get better at using a number line?

Make a Number Line to Add — Let's Practise! exercise

Would you like to apply the knowledge you’ve learnt? You can review and practice it with the tasks for the video Make a Number Line to Add — Let's Practise!.
  • Show the steps of using a number line to solve a problem.

    Hints

    Try making your own number line to solve 17 + 22. What did you do first?

    Think about the problem step by step. Before we count forwards by the second number, what do we need to do?

    Solution

    The steps to using a number line to solve a problem are:

    1. Draw a number line.
    2. Put the larger number on the left.
    3. Count forwards by small amounts of the second number.
    4. Solve the equation.

  • Show how to add using the number line.

    Hints

    Remember, put the larger number on the left.

    Partition 16 into tens and ones. First add the tens, then the ones.

    What numbers will go on the number line when we add 10 and 6?

    Solution

    This is how we use a number line to add.

    The larger number 76 is on the left. The smaller number 16 is partitioned into smaller amounts (+10 and +6).

    76 + 16 = 92.

  • Use the number line to add the numbers and find the answer.

    Hints

    Remember, first we put the larger number on the left. Which number is larger?

    Once the larger number is on the left, count forwards by small amounts of the second number. Fill in the blanks as you count on.

    Solution

    53 + 32 = 85.

    We start at the larger number, 53. From there, we add the smaller number 32 by small amounts (10 + 10 + 10 + 2) until the numbers are added to make 85.

  • Use the number line to solve the equation.

    Hints

    Remember, put the larger number on the left.

    To fill in the numbers on the top, think about how to partition 12 into tens and ones.

    The parts of 12 are filled in on the number line. Can you place the sums below?

    Solution

    64 + 12 = 76.

    First, we put the larger number 64 on the left. Then, we partition 12 into smaller amounts (10 + 2). 64 + 10 = 74, 74 + 2 = 76.

  • Complete the number line.

    Hints

    Remember, when we add 17, we are adding 10 and then 7.

    Add 10 first and write the total on the number line, then add 7.

    Solution

    • The number line starts with the larger number (40) on the left.
    • We count forwards by small amounts of the second number.
    • 17 has been partitioned into 10 and 7.
    • 40 +10 = 50, 50 + 7 = 57.
    The answer to 40 + 17 = 57

  • Create your own number lines to solve.

    Hints

    Remember to partition the second number into small amounts. For example: 24 + 14. 14 is the smaller number. We can partition it into +10 and +4.

    Remember, you have solved the problem once you have added the entire second number.

    Solution

    By making our own number lines, we can solve the equations:

    24 + 14 = 38

    45 + 18 = 63

    58 + 13 = 71