Welcome to learning numbers! Let's explore numbers from zero to ten. Each number represents a specific quantity or amount. Zero means nothing or empty. One means a single item. Two means a pair. And so on up to ten. We can show these numbers on a number line and with visual dots to help us understand what each number means.
Now let's learn about addition! Addition means combining or putting groups together to find the total. We use the plus sign to show addition. Let's see some examples. Two plus one equals three. We can show this by combining two blue circles with one red circle to make three green circles. Another example: three plus two equals five. When we combine three circles with two circles, we get five circles total.
Let's learn smart strategies for addition! One helpful strategy is counting on from the bigger number. For example, to solve four plus two, we start at four and count on two more: five, six. So four plus two equals six. Another pattern to notice is doubles: two plus two equals four, three plus three equals six, four plus four equals eight. Also remember that addition works both ways: three plus four equals seven, and four plus three also equals seven!
Now let's learn about subtraction! Subtraction means taking away or removing objects. We use the minus sign to show subtraction. Let's see some examples. Five minus two equals three. We start with five circles and cross out two, leaving three circles. Another example: seven minus three equals four. We start with seven circles, cross out three, and have four left. Remember, subtraction is the opposite of addition. If five plus two equals seven, then seven minus two equals five!
Great job learning addition and subtraction! Now let's practice with word problems. Tom has six apples and eats two. How many are left? Six minus two equals four apples left. Sara has three toys and gets four more. How many toys does she have now? Three plus four equals seven toys. Remember, you can check subtraction answers by adding. If eight minus three equals five, then five plus three should equal eight. You can also find missing numbers in equations!