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Multi-Digit Addition

Overview

Building skyscrapers with numbers.

What is it?

Adding numbers with two or more digits using columns.

History

Ancient merchants used abacuses to handle large sums.

Key Idea

Line up the right side perfectly.

Practice This Topic

Concept Guide

Plain English: When numbers get too big for fingers, we stack them. We match the Ones with Ones, and Tens with Tens.

Real-world example: Adding up the prices of three different video games to see if you have enough allowance.

How to do it

  1. Stack the numbers vertically.
  2. Line them up against the right 'wall'.
  3. Add the Ones column first.
  4. Write the answer below.

Common Pitfall

Lining up the numbers on the LEFT. Always line them up on the RIGHT!

Word Problem
"You drove 23 miles to the park, then 45 miles to the beach. How far did you drive?"
Reasoning: Stack 23 and 45. 3+5=8. 2+4=6. Total is 68 miles.

Practice Examples

The Setup
23 + 45 ---- 68
3+5=8, 2+4=6
Money
$12 + $50 ----- $62
Lined up on the right.