Let's start off with a basic math problem involving addition with money. When you are finished why not test yourself for fun with this post's quick math quiz?
So you're standing in the queue for the checkout with a few things you've picked up for your lunch. The day's been going well so far and you're feeling pretty good, that is until you reach into your pocket for your wallet to find it's not there. You've left your wallet and all your money in the office.
Quickly you rummage through your pockets and feel a surge of relief when your fingers hit some cool metallic coins and soft dollar bills. You pull them out to find that you are holding 3 dollar bills, 3 2-cent coins, 2 half dollars (=50 cents), 1 quarter (= 25 cents), 1 dime (=10 cents) and 8 cents. From past experience you know that your lunch will cost you $4.50. The question is - do you have enough money?
The queue is moving quickly, and you have a lot of coins in your hand. It's about now that a lot of us get flustered and confused, especially if we're not too confident in our ability to add up quickly on the spot. But don't worry, this kind of situation is what Multiply Your Maths is all about. All you have to do is remember 2 SIMPLE RULES.
1 - Start Big
2 - Look for the 10's.
Start Big is a reminder to add the biggest units first. This gives you a simple plan that means you won't lose track of your coins.
You have:
- 3 Dollars
- 2 Fifty cents
- 25 cents
- 10 cents
- 3 two cents
- 8 one cent coins
First off you have 3 dollars.
What next? 2 fifty cents. Ok so we'll add those to get 1 dollar.
Now you have 4 dollars, and some change in your hand. It's looking like you will get to eat today!
Now move on to the next biggest - your quarter. You now have 4 dollars and 25 cents, which doesn't really take any addition.
Next up is the dime, which adds easily to give you $4.35.
Now for the small change. This is when it's a good idea to apply Rule 2 - Look for the 10's. You have 8 one cent coins, so you have 8 cents. And you've got three 2 cent coins. Easiest way to make a 10? Put one of the two cent coins with your 8 cents.
$4.35 + 10 cents = $4.45
Now you've got $4.45. Finally you have two 2 cent coins, or 4 cents. Add it on, and you have $4.49.
$4.45 + 5 cents = $4.49
....
$4.49! You're a cent short.
But wait! After you look through your pockets you find 5 cents. Add it on by remembering to Look for the 10's. You already have $4.49, so with another cent you can make an even $4.50. Use one cent from your 5 cents and put it with the 49 cents to make $4.50. Now you still have 4 cents left that you haven't used. Add that on and you will have $4.54. Success!
As you go through this post you may notice that all of the actual addition is just using small numbers. It's really that simple! Once you break up your sum following these two rules you will be able to add quickly and easily, always adding small figures. Why not try out some math in one of our free online math games, or by taking the quick math quiz attached to this post.
As you go through this post you may notice that all of the actual addition is just using small numbers. It's really that simple! Once you break up your sum following these two rules you will be able to add quickly and easily, always adding small figures. Why not try out some math in one of our free online math games, or by taking the quick math quiz attached to this post.
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