Read carefully and think: do you need to add (+) or subtract (-)?
Example: Anna has 3 apples. Ben gives her 4 more, so 3 + 4 = 7 apples
The filled in number shows the answer.
Example
- 5
What does this exercise practice?
This exercise trains translating everyday situations into math problems, one of the most important skills for problem solving.
Common pitfalls
In the text children often just look for all the numbers and add them. It helps to underline the key words: 'more', 'also', 'altogether' mean plus; 'away', 'fewer', 'left over' mean minus.
How to practice at home
While cooking or playing, make little word problems out of the situation: we have 5 cookies, Dad eats 2, how many are left? Children love real stories.