Mathematics — Additions

Subtopic: Adding Single Digits Vertically

Target: Kenyan learners aged 7 (Standard 2). In this lesson we learn how to add two single digits when they are written one above the other (vertically).

Steps to add single digits vertically
  1. Write the numbers one under the other so the digits line up (units under units).
  2. Start from the top or bottom? We look at the units column (the single digits) and add them.
  3. If the sum is less than 10, write the total under the line (no carry).
  4. If the sum is 10 or more, write the ones digit under the line and put the tens (the carry) above the next column (we write 1 above the tens column).
Example 1 — No carry
4
+ 3
7

We add 4 and 3. 4 + 3 = 7. No carry.

Example 2 — With carry (make ten)
1
9
+ 6
1 5

9 + 6 = 15. We write 5 under the line and carry 1 to the tens (shown above). So the answer is 15.

More small examples (read them vertically)
2
+ 5
7
7
+ 8
1 5
3
+ 4
7
5
+ 9
1 4
Practice (do these vertically)
  1. 6 + 2 =
  2. 8 + 1 =
  3. 4 + 7 =
  4. 9 + 3 =
  5. 1 + 8 =
  6. 5 + 5 =
  7. 7 + 2 =
  8. 9 + 9 =

Tip: Always line up digits and add the units. If the sum is 10 or more, put the extra 1 (carry) above the next column.

Answers
  1. 6 + 2 = 8
  2. 8 + 1 = 9
  3. 4 + 7 = 11 (write 1 and carry 1)
  4. 9 + 3 = 12 (write 2 and carry 1)
  5. 1 + 8 = 9
  6. 5 + 5 = 10 (write 0 and carry 1)
  7. 7 + 2 = 9
  8. 9 + 9 = 18 (write 8 and carry 1)
Note for teachers/parents: This activity supports Standard 2 objectives to add two one-digit numbers. Use real objects (stones, beads, bottle caps) to help learners who need visual, hands-on practice.

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