Story problems that add three numbers
In 1st grade, children learn to solve story problems that add three numbers with a total of 20 or less and to combine the groups in a sensible order.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
Try these with your child
These are real questions from our 1st grade practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Mia has 3 red apples, 2 green apples, and 4 yellow apples. How many apples does Mia have in all?
- 10
- 7
- 9
Why this matters
Keeping three amounts in mind at once gives your child practice holding and organizing information, which every longer problem later depends on. In 2nd grade, children add up to four two-digit numbers, such as the points from several rounds of a game. Everyday life asks for it too: three bags of apples, or reading minutes across three days.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding the first two numbers and stopping, answering 7 for "4 ducks, 3 geese, and 6 swans" instead of 13.
- Skipping or repeating a number when counting all three groups from 1, usually while moving from one group to the next.
- Adding strictly left to right and missing easier routes, like spotting that 7 and 3 make 10 in 7 + 5 + 3.
How you can help
- Count three kinds of things together on a walk, such as red cars, blue cars, and white cars, then ask how many cars you saw altogether and how your child figured it out.
- Set out three small piles of snacks, like 5 grapes, 2 cheese cubes, and 5 crackers, and ask your child to find the total before eating. Ask if any two piles make 10.
- Play a three-dice game with dice or cards showing small numbers. Take turns rolling, adding all three, and explaining which two numbers you added first and why.
Want a little more? Watch the kid-friendly video below together, or try Bobby's Math Club for free practice that adapts to your child.
Kid-friendly explanation
Questions parents ask
Why is my child learning to add three numbers in word problems?
Three-number problems teach children to organize information and to notice that the order of adding can be chosen. Looking for pairs that make 10, such as 6 and 4, turns a harder problem into an easier one. This flexible thinking is the foundation for adding several larger numbers in later grades.
Is it okay if my child counts on fingers for these?
Yes. Fingers, objects, and drawings are expected tools in 1st grade, especially when keeping track of three groups. Over time, encourage your child to start counting from the largest number or to find a 10 inside the problem. Those strategies grow naturally from counting and gradually make fingers less necessary.
What should my child be able to do by the end of 1st grade with this skill?
By the end of the year, most children can listen to or read a story with three amounts totaling 20 or less; represent it with objects, a drawing, or an equation; and find the total. They do not need to do it all mentally. Being able to explain how they found the answer is a strong sign of understanding.
Make learning math fun
Bobby's Math Club turns 1st grade math practice into something fun to do together.
- Unlimited free practice
- Practice that starts where your child is and grows with them
- Level-ups, badges, and a cheer for every win
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Ready to watch your child’s confidence grow?
Your 1st grade child can start today with free, unlimited practice that grows with them.
Join the clubNote for teachers: This skill is covered by Common Core math standard 1.OA.A.2: “Solve word problems that call for addition of three whole numbers whose sum is less than or equal to 20, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.” Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow. (Common Core 1.OA.2)