Addition word problems

When do we add in a word problem? Whenever something is added to the original number, or when we bring two separate counts together.

Pattern 1: adding more

"Maja had 8 pencils. Mum bought her another 5. How many does she have now?"

• At first: 8.
• Added: 5.
• Action: adding → addition.

8 + 5 = 13.

Answer: Maja now has 13 pencils.

Pattern 2: combining two groups

"There are 12 boys and 14 girls in the class. How many children are in the class?"

• Group 1: 12 boys.
• Group 2: 14 girls.
• Action: two groups together → addition.

12 + 14 = 26.

Answer: There are 26 children in the class.

Pattern 3: a growing total

"On Monday Janka read 15 pages. On Tuesday another 24. How many pages did she read in total?"

15 + 24 = 39.

Answer: Janka read 39 pages in total.

Signal words

In addition problems you often hear:

• "altogether, in total"
• "another, more"
• "added, got"
• "how many in total"

Tip: draw it

If you're not sure, draw the situation:

• 8 pencils → make 8 marks.
• 5 added → draw 5 more.
• Count them all → 13.

Summary

• We add when things are added or when we combine two groups.
• Signal words: altogether, another, added.
• When in doubt, draw.
• Always answer in a sentence with a unit.