Addition with 3 numbers is an important skill for students and can be a lot of fun when you add in a little bit of hands-on resources and engagement. However, depending on how big the numbers are, it can also get really complicated for students. It is important to teach students some strategies to make these addition problems more accessible.
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I have been working with a group of first-grade students, and we were ready to start adding 3 addends. I taught them to look for the 2 addends that would make a doubles fact, doubles plus 1 fact, or equal 10. Once they added those 2 addends, they would add the 3rd addend. We used our doubles ten frames to start with 3 different colored counters, then we moved to drawing our counters and eventually using only the equations.
What is Addition with 3 Addends?
An addend is a number or quantity involved in an addition operation. When we add two or more numbers together, each number is called an addend. The answer to an addition problem is called the sum. So, addend + addend + addend = sum. You can also write it as sum = addend + addend + addend.
Examples of Single Digit Addition with 3 Addends
In the equation 2 + 3 = 5, both 2 and 3 are addends.
An equation with 3 addends is: 2 + 3 + 4 = 9, 2, 3 and 4 are addends.
Understanding the Concept of Adding with 3 Addends
Addition is a fundamental mathematical operation that involves combining two or more numbers to find their sum. In the context of addition, the numbers being added are referred to as addends.
Addends are the individual numbers that are being added together to produce a final result. In a simple addition problem, such as 5 + 3, the addends are 5 and 3. However, addition can involve more than two addends, and this is where the power of three addends comes into play. When working with three addends, the calculation involves adding three numbers together to find the sum.
Setting the Stage: Adding 3 Addends First Grade
We begin by making the connection about what we already know about addition, such as we have two numbers, and we add them together to get our total. Then, I show them we can really add as many numbers as we want.
Making it concrete is not only helpful for providing students a solid foundation to acquire a skill, but it’s also way more engaging.
I like to start with the ‘C’ part of the CRA Model, which is the concrete portion. We take out our double ten-frame mats and counters and begin to work through adding three addends. Check out this freebie of Digital or Print 5, 10, and double 10-frame mats. I like to use three different-colored counters to start, though eventually, I like to have kids just use the red and yellow counters.
I also like to use these digital ten frames and counters to practice 3 addend problems. Click to Check out these 3 Addend Problems.
Benefits of Mastering Addition with Three Addends
Mastering three-addend addition enables you to tackle more complex mathematical problems with greater ease. Many real-world scenarios, such as budgeting, accounting, or even certain scientific calculations, often involve the need to add multiple numbers together. By developing the skills to handle three addends, you can confidently approach and solve these more intricate problems with accuracy and speed.
Additionally, working with three addends can enhance your overall mathematical understanding and problem-solving skills. By breaking down and analyzing the relationships between the three numbers, you can gain a deeper insight into the underlying principles of addition, which can then be applied to other mathematical operations and concepts.
Common Challenges Faced When Working with Three Addends
Adding three numbers together requires more mental processing power compared to adding two numbers. Keeping track of the individual addends, their values, and the intermediate steps can be mentally taxing, especially for individuals who are not accustomed to this type of calculation.
Another common challenge is the potential for confusion and mistakes. With three addends, the chances of misremembering or misaligning the numbers increase, leading to errors in the final result. This can be particularly problematic in situations where accuracy is critical, such as in financial calculations or scientific applications.
Strategies for Efficiently Solving Addition Problems with Three Addends
To overcome the challenges associated with working with three addends and unlock the power of this mathematical technique, it is essential to develop effective strategies and approaches. Here are some key strategies to consider:
- Utilize the commutative property of addition: The commutative property states that the order of the addends does not affect the final sum. This means that you can rearrange the three addends in any order to make the calculation more manageable. Experiment with different arrangements to find the most efficient approach for a given problem.
- Break down the problem into smaller steps: If the three-addend calculation seems overwhelming, consider breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, you can start by adding the first two addends and then add the third addend to the intermediate result.
- Employ visual aids and representations: Incorporating counters and pictures can greatly assist in understanding and organizing three-addend addition problems.
By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the challenges of three-addend addition and develop a robust set of skills to tackle these problems with confidence and efficiency.
Looking for Doubles Facts and Doubles Plus 1 Facts
As stated above, you can change the order of the addends, so I like to look for 2 numbers that make a double fact or a double plus one fact. Those are easier addition problems. Once I have added those 2 addends, I can add the third addend.
So for example, 4 + 3+ 4= (4 + 4) + 3= 11, or 4+ 5 + 3 = (4 + 4+ 1) + 3= 12
To practice doubles facts, check out this free resource: Doubles Math Facts Worksheet FREEBIE.
You can can also use these seasonal doubles fact resources to help students with their doubles facts prior to teaching 3 addend addition problems. Practice Doubles Facts with 200 Google slides to practice doubles addition facts to 20. These slides use ten frames, counters, dominoes, and dice to model the doubles facts for addition practice.
Facts That Equal 10
I like to have students find the 2 addends that equal 10 and add those first. Then, add in the 3rd addend.
So for example, 3 + 7 + 2= (3 +7) + 2= 12
You can use these seasonal Making a 10 resources to help students learn their facts that equal 10. Here are 308 slides to practice Making a 10. There are multiple formats for addition facts of 10. Students can use the ten frame to add and find the two addends with a sum of 10.
Making a 10 To Add
Another strategy I like to use is the making a 10 then adding the other addend.
For example, 9 + 3 + 4= I would take 1 from the 3 and add it to the 9. Then, the numbers become 10 + 2 + 4= Then, you could do 10 + 6 = 16.
You can use these seasonal Making a 10 to Add resources to practice. These 120 slides have students model the word problem within 20 with counters and ten frames. Then write in the two number sentences to show make a 10, then add within 20.
Examples For Mastering Addition with Three Addends
To solidify your understanding and proficiency in addition with three addends, it is essential to engage in a variety of practice exercises and examples. These hands-on experiences will not only reinforce the concepts but also help you develop the necessary problem-solving skills.
Addition with 3 Addends First Grade
Example: 5 + 3 + 2 = ?
In this problem, the three addends are 5, 3, and 2. To solve, you can rearrange the order of the addends to make the calculation easier, such as (5 + 2) + 3 = 10.
Example: 12 + 7 + 5 = ?
Here, you can break down the problem into smaller steps, such as (12 + 7) + 5 = 19 + 5 = 24.
Addition with 3 Addends Second Grade
As you progress, you can explore more complex examples that involve larger numbers or require the use of mental math techniques:
Example: 28 + 14 + 19 = ?
In this case, you can round the numbers to make the calculation easier, such as 30 + 15 + 16 = 61.
Example: 132 + 87 + 45 = ?
For this problem, you can decompose the numbers and add the individual place values, such as (100 + 30 + 2) + (80 + 7) + (40 + 5) = 264.
Remember, the key to mastering addition with three addends is consistent practice and the willingness to experiment with different strategies. Engage in a variety of exercises, from simple to more challenging, to build your confidence and fluency in handling these types of problems.
Real World Connection: 3 Addend Word Problems
Having students solve word problems with 3 addends allows them to see the connection to the real world. You could start by adding out different word problems and then move to representing them. For example, Sally had 3 markers, Dan had 4 markers, and Peter had 5 markers. How many markers did they have altogether?
Word Problems with 3 Addends
160 Slides to practice addition with 3 addends. In each set, Slides 1-20 are word problems with 3 addends. There are ten frames and counters to model the 3 addend word problem and then solve it. Slides 21-40 are 3 addend addition problems to solve with ten frames and counters.
Resources for Enhancing Addition Skills
- 5 Simple and Effective Ways to Practice Doubles Facts in Math
- What are Proven Positive Parent Tips for Math At Home?
- Top Math Manipulative Examples and How to Use Them in Second Grade
- 7 Guaranteed Effective Teaching Strategies For Add And Subtract Facts
Embracing the Power of Addition with 3 Numbers
Through the exploration of effective strategies, engaging practice exercises, and a wealth of resources, you have developed a robust set of skills to navigate the world of three-addend addition.
- ☀Download this BONUS Guide with everything you need to cultivate a positive classroom community.
- ➕Includes definitions, lesson ideas, mindset surveys for students and teachers, and printable posters.
- 🧠💪Research shows a link between a growth mindset and math success. Kids with a growth mindset about their abilities perform better and are more engaged in the classroom.
- 👉Includes everything you need to start cultivating a more positive math classroom and students who love math. Download and get started today! Click here to download the Mindset Guide & Survey.
Mastering addition with three addends is an important first-grade skill that prepares students for more complex math problems. Providing opportunities for students to build a conceptual understanding of the skill by using hands-on materials prepares students to solve addition with 3 numbers equations.
