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Addition

Combine two amounts into one total. The +. Hands-down the friendliest operation.

Adding blocks

Add and subtract from each pile. The total is both piles together.

Pile A

3

Pile B

5

Together

3 + 5 = 8

Three ways to think about +

  • Combining piles. 3 apples + 2 apples = 5 apples.
  • Counting on. Start at 3, count up 2 more — land on 5.
  • Hops on a number line. Stand at 3, jump 2 right — you're at 5.

Order doesn't matter

3 + 2 = 2 + 3. Addition is commutative. (Subtraction is not.)