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We will explore lots of exciting topics in math and examine applications of the concepts learned in real world settings.  So, let’s begin with the basics, and then see how we apply them to actual math problems that are encountered in every day math.

WHOLE NUMBER ADDITION
PROPERTIES, ESTIMATION, AND PROBLEM SOLVING

We begin by looking at addition properties.  The addition properties help organize multi-step math problems.  By following the properties, problems may be reordered and regrouped to solve mentally.

Sometimes a quick estimate of an amount is all that is needed.  We’ll look at a problem where all that is needed is a close number rather than the actual number.

Basic computations begin with adding whole numbers.  Lining up place value is crucial to adding whole numbers correctly.  Estimate first to find an approximate answer and then add to find the actual answer.

To solve a word problem read it through carefully.  It helps to read it through more than once.  Look for key words that are clues for solving the problem.

Mental Addition Using Properties




Use the commutative, associative, and identity properties to simplify. 

 

Look for sums that add up to multiples of ten.

 

Steps                      Reasons

31 + 0 + (66 + 9)         Identity Property   31 + 0 = 31

31 + (66 + 9)                Commutative Property   66 + 9 = 9 + 66

31 + (9 + 66)                Associative Property

(31 + 9) + 66                Add 31 + 9 first

40 + 66                         Add on 66

   106


Estimation


The principal wants an estimate of how many students are in the middle school.  The secretary gives him these numbers.

 

 

Grade

Boys

Girls

6th

124

175

7th

210

187

8th

105

94

 

As the principal looks over the numbers he decides to round them to the nearest 100 to get a quick estimate.  He looks at the hundreds place, then the number to the right (tens place).  He remembers that if the number is 5 or higher, round up.
 

Grade

Boys

Girls

6th

124 rounds to 100

175 rounds to 200

7th

210 rounds to 200

187 rounds to 200

8th

105 rounds to 100

94 (think of 94 as 094) rounds to 100

 

The principal estimates there are approximately 900 students in his school. (100 + 200 + 200 + 200 + 100 + 100)



Whole Number Addition

 

Estimate the sum, and then solve:            245 + 378 + 2995

 

 

Estimation:

             300 + 400 + 3000 = 3700

                                      The estimated answer is 3700.

 

Solution:

Line up the numbers from right to left so that all place values are in line.



 

Answer:                        245 + 378 + 2995 = 3618

 

Check:                           The estimated answer, 3700, is close to 3618.



Problem Solving - Addition

 

Read through this problem and solve.  Look for key words that aid

in determining the correct method for solving.

 

The 4-H club mowed lawns to earn money for a trip to the baseball

park.  On Monday they earned $150, on Tuesday they earned $126,

and on Wednesday they earned $100.  What is the total earnings?

 

The key word is total – this is an addition problem because all of the

money is being put together.

 

                           150 + 126 + 100 = $376





Below are additional educational resources and activities for this unit.
 
Click on the icon to find and practice topics for this unit.
 
Unit 1 Estimating Sums to the Nearest Hundreds Worksheet
 
Click here to watch the video on the associative property.
Unit 1 Define Activity
 
Click here to watch the video on the commutative property.
Unit 1 Define Activity
 
Click here to watch the video on the distributive property.
Unit 1 Define Activity