Addition Word Problems
Addition word problems arise in any situations where there is a gain or an increase of something as a result of combining one or more numbers. Think of addition as combining parts to form a whole.
In this lesson, you will learn
- how to tell when a word problem needs addition: a gain, an increase, or parts combined into a whole
- how to draw a word problem as parts that make a whole
- how to add the numbers in columns and check that the answer makes sense
Problem 1: Adding a Gain to a Bank Account
Consider the following situations.
Problem #1
John has 800 dollars in his checking account. He received from his job a check for 1,200 dollars and deposits the amount in his checking account. How much money does he have in his checking account after the deposit?
Solution
The fact of receiving money from his job is a gain. Therefore, we need to perform addition.
Total amount in checking account = 800 + 1,200 = 2,000 dollars
After the deposit, John gets a second check for 350 dollars and deposits it too. How much does he have now?
Show answer
2,350 dollars. Another gain, so add: 2,000 + 350 = 2,350.
Problem 2: Adding Three Days of Revenue
Problem #2
Peter sells ice cream for a living. On Monday his revenue was 150 dollars. On Tuesday, his revenue was 100 dollars. Finally, on Wednesday, his revenue was 50 dollars. How much is Peter's revenue so far?
Solution
Peter is experiencing a gain in revenue. Therefore, we use addition.
Peter's revenue = 150 + 50 + 100 = 300 dollars
On Thursday, Peter's revenue is 75 dollars. What is his revenue so far now?
Show answer
375 dollars. 300 + 75 = 375.
Problem 3: Combining Two Heights
Problem #3
Eiffel Tower is about 1,083 feet high. The Statue of Liberty along with its foundation and pedestal is about 305 feet. If you could put the Statue of Liberty on top of the Eiffel Tower, how high up in heaven will the two monuments reach?
Solution
The situation above is a combination of parts to form a whole. Therefore, we use addition.
Height = 1,083 + 305 = 1,388 feet
Before a new antenna was added in 2022, the Eiffel Tower was about 1,063 feet high. How high would the two monuments have reached then?
Show answer
1,368 feet. 1,063 + 305 = 1,368.
Problem 4: How Much Money All Together
Problem #4
Ana found 15 dollars on the floor on Saturday. Then on Sunday her parents gave her 155 dollars. How much does Ana have all together?
Clue:
Saturday ~ 15 dollars
Sunday ~ 155 dollars
Solution
15 + 155 = 170 dollars all together
On Monday, Ana earns 30 dollars for helping a neighbor. How much does she have all together now?
Show answer
200 dollars. 170 + 30 = 200.
A 4-Step Method for Addition Word Problems
Words like in all, all together, total, combined, so far and more (as in "gets 50 more") often tell you to add. Always check that the story is about a gain or about parts making a whole.
- Read: buying new books is a gain, so we add.
- Find the parts: 1,245 books (the start) and 378 books (the gain).
- Add in columns: ones: 5 + 8 = 13, write 3, carry 1. Tens: 1 + 4 + 7 = 12, write 2, carry 1. Hundreds: 1 + 2 + 3 = 6. Thousands: 1.
- Check: 1,623 is bigger than both 1,245 and 378, as a total should be.
The library has 1,623 books.
Lining up the numbers on the left. To add 1,200 + 800, the 8 goes under the 2 (hundreds under hundreds), not under the 1. Always line up the ones digits on the right.
Mia has 468 stickers. Her friend gives her 254 more. How many stickers does Mia have now?
Show answer
722 stickers. 468 + 254: ones 8 + 4 = 12 (write 2, carry 1), tens 1 + 6 + 5 = 12 (write 2, carry 1), hundreds 1 + 4 + 2 = 7.
Summary
- Use addition when there is a gain or an increase, or when parts combine to form a whole.
- Find the parts in the story, then add them. With three or more parts, you can add them in any order.
- Line up the ones digits on the right and carry when a column reaches 10.
- Check your answer: a total is bigger than each of its parts.
Practice: Solve 5 Addition Word Problems
Problems 1 and 2 walk you through every step. Problem 3 gives fewer steps, with a hint for each. Problems 4 and 5 give only the key steps. You can skip a problem at any time, and each time you play you get new problems.
Practice complete!
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