Add Integers Using the Column Method

When you're adding integers using the column method, it's important to remember 3 things:

 

1) Line up the numbers using place value (units with units, tens with tens, etc.)

2) Start adding from the right.

3) Don't forget to carry.

 

 

e.g. 185 + 71

 

Step 1: Set up the addition accurately.

185

+   71

 

Step 2: Start by adding the units. (5 + 1 = 6)

185

+   71

6

 

Step 3: Now add the tens column. (8 + 7 = 15)

As this isn't a single digit number, we have to carry the 1 into the next column like this:

185

+   71

1

56

 

Step 4: Finally, add the hundreds column. Don't forget the 1 we carried! (1 + 1 = 2)

185

+   71

1

256

 

Answer: 185 + 71 = 256

 

 

Before you start this activity, make sure you have a pen and paper handy to write out your columns and sums.