More Than Two Addends

Up to this point, we've been talking about addition problems with only two addends. Sure, some of that carrying had you bring a "1" over so that you were adding three numbers. Let's look at concepts are used with multiple addends.

12 + 34 + 43 = ?

As we have been telling you, when you add two and three-digit numbers you start with the ones column. The same rule applies if you are adding three values. Start with the ones... "2 + 4 + 3" This is a nice clean problem with no carrying. Your answer for the ones column is "9". Then you move to the tens column. "1 + 3 + 4" gives you a tens value of "8." Put it all together and you get the sum "89." Here are some more examples...
12 + 34 + 43 = 89
51 + 21 + 13 = 85
13 + 11 + 15 = 39

Grouping Numbers

It might not be that easy when you are adding numbers for your homework. You might be given a list of ten numbers. We find it easier to break down the number of addends you are adding. Instead of trying to add eight numbers together at one time, you might want to add two number, three numbers, and another three numbers. Then you add those three temporary sums together.

Example:
15 + 26 + 34 + 45 + 19 + 22 + 44 = ?
(1) Add smaller groups together.
15 + 26 = 41
34 + 45 = 79
22 + 44 = 66
and there is a 19 sitting there.
(2) Add those temporary values together.
41 + 19 = 60
79 + 66 = 145
(3) Finish it off by adding those values.
60 + 145 = 205

Can you see how it's not as big of a problem when you break it down into smaller pieces? You can tackle one hundred addends in a problem if you try that grouping strategy.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Three Term Addtion Quiz (Single Digits, No Carrying)
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Two-Digit Addition Word Problems
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