Choose Your Method for Adding Two Large Numbers

In this activity, we will learn how to add two numbers using two methods.

Example

Add the numbers below:

22,478 + 15,622

Method 1

1. Add the ten thousands 20,000 + 10,000 = 30,000

2. Add the thousands  2,000 + 5,000 = 7,000

3. Add the hundreds 400 + 600 = 1,000

4. Add the tens 70 + 20 = 90

5. Add the ones 8 + 2 = 10

6. Add the total for the answer below, making sure to line up the numbers in their correct place value columns. 

Method 2

This is column addition with exchanging (or carrying)  if a column adds to 10 or more.

1. Add the ones 8 + 2 = 10. Write the 0 in the ones column, and exchange the one ten by carrying the 1 to under the tens column.

2. Add the tens column, including the exchanged 1. Add 7 + 2 + 1 = 10. Write the 0 in the tens column and exchange the 1 by putting it under the hundreds column.

3. Add the hundreds column, including the exchanged 1. Add 4 + 6 + 1 = 11. Write the 1 in the hundreds column and exchange the 1 by putting it under the thousands column.

4. Add the thousands column, including the exchanged 1. Add 5 + 2 + 1 = 8

5. Add the ten thousands column, 2 + 1 = 3

So in summary:

22,478 + 15,622 = 38,100

For the questions in this activity, you can choose which method you prefer, or have a go at using both!