Add three numbers in a story
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.
In this video, your child will learn to solve story problems with three numbers.
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
Ana has 2 cars, Ben has 3, and Cam has 4. How many cars do they have in all?
Example 2
Mia picks 4 flowers, then 6, then 3. How many flowers does she pick in all?
Your child's turn
Ben has 5 crayons, Ava has 7, and Leo has 3. How many crayons do they have in all?
The three key steps
- 1Add two numbers first.
- 2Make a ten if you can.
- 3Then add the third number.
Mistakes to listen for
- 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.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to story problems that add three numbers →
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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 story problems that add three numbers, 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 story problems that add three numbers 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 →
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Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on story problems that add three numbers and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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