Starting out

Hello,
I'm the Handsome Toddler, and I am here to help YOU learn math with ease.
Ok, enough talk about myself. Let's get started, shall we?
This week, we will just focus on simple, single-digit addition (and a few double-digits). Most of you probably have this down-pat, but a little practice won't hurt, and it will help you get into the habit of actually doing the problems. I know too many instances where someone grabs a math book and reads through it, but does not do the problems because "they're too complicated".

So, first let me show you a few addition problems. Then I will give you a few problems to solve. And the rest of this week, I want you to keep your eyes open for single or double-digit additions. Or you can even make some up.

Ok, first example;
1+1... you're laughing, right? This is so easy. The answer's 2.
Alright, smarty pants, WHY does 1+1= 2? Alright, so you know the answer to that. Good!

Maybe I should say something before I go on to the next example.
2 is equivalent to two 1s.
3 is equivalent to three 1s. and so on.

Alright, on to the next example;
3+6... so, you have three 1s added to six 1s... (1+1+1) + (1+1+1+1+1+1).. now you can count them up. The answer is 9.

A little bit tougher;
6+9... alright, we have six 1s added to nine 1s.. pretty easy, right? let's see (1+1+1+1+1+1) + (1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1)... count them up and you get 15.


Ok, we've covered single-digit addition. Now for a few double-digits. If you get stuck, try counting 1s.

27+58... uh oh! where do I start? Well, let's break it down into two problems. You have 20+50 and you have 7+8. Hey, guess what? They're single-digit additions! And since we just covered those, you should get this one pretty quickly. 20+50=70... 7+8= 15... add them together and you get 85.

Last example;
87+92... sometimes double-digit additions have triple-digit answers. But don't panic! First, let's break it down into single-digit additions. 80+90 and 7+2.. You know that 8+9 = 17, so 80+90 must equal 170.. add 9 and you're done. Now, was that so hard?

Congratulations! You're on your way to mastering math. Remember, though you may know some of these steps, you must get to know them so well that you can do them in your sleep.

Alright! Now I've got a few problems for you to solve. And remember, keep an eye open for any other single or double-digit addition problems this week.

4+7
3+2
37+42
95+71
88+37
99+99
12+41


HT Fact:
The Handsome Toddler is grateful to Caroline Keeth and Kayla Jade for their inspiration and encouragement. He is also grateful to Mara Clipner for naming him the Handsome Toddler.

See you next week!