Add in any order
Discovering that 3 + 8 is the same as 8 + 3 gives your child a shortcut they will use every day, and it roughly halves the number of facts they have to learn. Choosing a helpful order also makes mental math far easier. These same rules return in 3rd grade for multiplication, where 4 × 7 and 7 × 4 give the same answer, and they sit underneath the algebra children meet in middle school.
In this video, your child will learn to add in any order and make tens.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
3 + 9 = ?
Example 2
2 + 6 + 4 = ?
Your child's turn
7 + 5 + 3 = ?
The three key steps
- 1We can add in any order.
- 2Look for two numbers that make ten.
- 3Add those two first.
Mistakes to listen for
- Counting on from the smaller number, solving 2 + 9 by starting at 2 and counting on 9, instead of starting at 9.
- Switching the numbers around in subtraction too, believing 3 - 8 is the same as 8 - 3 and writing 5 for both.
- Adding three numbers strictly left to right, missing the ten sitting in plain sight in 7 + 4 + 3 and slipping while counting.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to adding in any order to make it easier →
Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?
Bobby's Math Club offers unlimited practice for free.
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More 1st grade Problem Solving, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice adding in any order to make it easier, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to adding in any order to make it easier has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice adding in any order to make it easier
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on adding in any order to make it easier and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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