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Mental Math with Jottings

For semi-written calculation you split the numbers into tens and ones.

Example: 341 + 256 split up
341 + 256 = 340 + 250 + 1 + 6
= 590 + 7
= 597

The numbers written in show the answer.

Example

341 + 256 =
= 340 + 250 + 1 + 6
= 590 + 7
= 597
173 + 524 =
= 170 + 520 + 3 + 4
= 690 + 7
= 697

For parents

What does this exercise practice?

This exercise strengthens place value understanding with bigger numbers too and shows a flexible way of calculating before the written method comes.

Common pitfalls

Children sometimes forget to add the carried-over ones back to the tens sum. Have them explain the calculation steps out loud.

How to practice at home

Do mental math in pairs, one solves it with jottings, the other checks.

Related: Number Sentences with a Gap, Written Addition, Semi-written multiplying

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