With mental math jottings, you split the numbers into tens and ones.
Example: 47 + 25 split up
47 + 25 = 40 + 20 + 7 + 5
= 60 + 12
= 72
The numbers filled in show the solution.
Example
- 60,12,72
- 60,14,74
For parents
What does this exercise practice?
This exercise strengthens place-value understanding and shows a flexible calculation method before the written method is introduced.
Common pitfalls
Children sometimes forget to add the carried-over ones back to the tens sum. Have them explain the calculation steps out loud.
How to practice at home
Do mental math in pairs, one solves it with jottings, the other checks.
Related: Calculation, Written +, Semi-written multiplication