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Addition — Topic Guide

A plain-language explanation of addition, with a worked example — plus a link straight into the generator to create a fresh, printable practice sheet.

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How addition works

Addition combines two or more numbers into a total, called the sum. Line the numbers up by place value — ones under ones, tens under tens — then add each column starting from the right.

Regrouping (carrying)

When a column adds up to 10 or more, write down the ones digit and carry the tens digit into the next column to the left.

Worked example: 47 + 38
Ones column: 7 + 8 = 15 → write 5, carry 1
Tens column: 4 + 3 + 1 (carried) = 8
Answer: 85

Common mistakes

The most frequent error is forgetting to add the carried digit into the next column, or misaligning place value when the numbers have a different number of digits. Encourage writing numbers on graph paper or lined paper turned sideways to keep columns straight.

Where addition shows up next

Once addition with regrouping is solid, it becomes the foundation for subtraction (which relies on the same place-value understanding) and later for multi-digit multiplication.

Want the answer checked instantly instead of by hand? The scientific calculator can verify any sum you type in.
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