Add three numbers – word problems

Key points :

Understanding Addition:

  • Addition means putting together or combining numbers.
  • When we add three numbers, we find the total by adding them one after the other.

Basic Concept:

  • When solving word problems, identify the three numbers to be added.
  • Use the addition symbol (+) to combine the numbers.

Steps to Solve Word Problems:

  • Read the Problem Carefully: Understand what is being asked.
  • Identify the Numbers: Look for the three numbers in the problem.
  • Write an Addition Sentence: Formulate the addition equation (e.g., 2 + 3 + 4).
  • Calculate the Total: Add the numbers together.
  • State the Answer: Write a complete sentence to answer the question.

Examples of Word Problems:

  • Example 1: “Anna has 2 apples, Ben has 3 apples, and Carla has 4 apples. How many apples do they have in total?”
    • Solution: 2 + 3 + 4 = 9 apples.
  • Example 2: “There are 5 birds in a tree, 2 more birds join them, and then 3 more come. How many birds are there now?”
    • Solution: 5 + 2 + 3 = 10 birds.

Learn with an example

🖍️Wendy collects stickers. Her collection contains 1 cat sticker, 3 butterfly stickers, and 3 flower stickers. How many stickers does she have in all?

_______stickers

Add the numbers of stickers.

1 + 3 + 3

Hint: Start by adding a double.

First, add the doubles 3 and 3 to make 6:

1 + 3 + 3 = ?

1 + 6 = ?

Now add 1 and 6:

1 + 6 = 7

The sum is 7.

Wendy has 7 stickers in all.

🖍️The florist made a bouquet with 4 red roses, 4 yellow daisies, and 1 pink tulip. How many flowers did the florist put in the bouquet?

​_____ flowers

Add the numbers of flowers.

4 + 4 + 1

Hint: Start by adding a double.

First, add the doubles 4 and 4 to make 8:

4 + 4 + 1 = ?

8 + 1 = ?

Now add 8 and 1:

8 + 1 = 9

The sum is 9.

The florist put 9 flowers in the bouquet.

🖍️The jewellery store in the mall has 1 silver bracelet, 6 gold bracelets, and 1 platinum bracelet. How many bracelets does the store have in all?

​ _________bracelets

Add the numbers of bracelets.

1 + 6 + 1

Hint: Start by adding a double.

First, add the doubles 1 and 1 to make 2:

1 + 6 + 1 = ?

2 + 6 = ?

Now add 2 and 6:

2 + 6 = 8

The sum is 8.

The store has 8 bracelets in all.

Let’s practice!