Adding Three Numbers
Sometimes we need to add three numbers together instead of just two. In Class 2, children learn to add three small numbers (1-digit or 2-digit).
The trick is to add two numbers first, then add the third number to that result. You can also look for number pairs that make 10 to make adding easier.
What is Adding Three Numbers - Class 2 Maths (Addition (Grade 2))?
Adding three numbers means finding the total of three numbers combined.
Method:
- Add the first two numbers.
- Then add the third number to the result.
You can add in any order — the answer will be the same. Pick the order that is easiest.
a + b + c = (a + b) + c = a + (b + c)
Solved Examples
Example 1: Example 1: Add 3 + 5 + 2
Question: Find 3 + 5 + 2.
Think:
- Add first two: 3 + 5 = 8
- Then add third: 8 + 2 = 10
Answer: 3 + 5 + 2 = 10.
Example 2: Example 2: Add 7 + 3 + 6 (make 10 first)
Question: Find 7 + 3 + 6.
Think:
- Look for a pair that makes 10: 7 + 3 = 10
- Now add: 10 + 6 = 16
Answer: 7 + 3 + 6 = 16.
Example 3: Example 3: Add 12 + 15 + 10
Question: Find 12 + 15 + 10.
Think:
- Add first two: 12 + 15 = 27
- Then add third: 27 + 10 = 37
Answer: 12 + 15 + 10 = 37.
Example 4: Example 4: Ria’s fruit basket
Question: Ria has 8 apples, 4 bananas, and 6 oranges. How many fruits in all?
Think:
- Look for a pair making 10: 4 + 6 = 10
- Then: 8 + 10 = 18
Answer: Ria has 18 fruits in all.
Example 5: Example 5: Add 20 + 30 + 40
Question: Find 20 + 30 + 40.
Think:
- 20 + 30 = 50
- 50 + 40 = 90
Answer: 20 + 30 + 40 = 90.
Example 6: Example 6: Aman’s stickers
Question: Aman got 14 stickers from his teacher, 9 from his friend, and 11 from his mother. How many stickers in all?
Think:
- 9 + 11 = 20 (easy pair!)
- 14 + 20 = 34
Answer: Aman has 34 stickers in all.
Example 7: Example 7: Add 5 + 5 + 5
Question: Find 5 + 5 + 5.
Think:
- 5 + 5 = 10
- 10 + 5 = 15
- This is the same as 3 groups of 5!
Answer: 5 + 5 + 5 = 15.
Key Points to Remember
- To add three numbers, add any two first, then add the third.
- Look for pairs that make 10 — this makes adding easier.
- You can add in any order; the answer stays the same.
- Adding three equal numbers (like 5 + 5 + 5) is the same as multiplication (3 × 5).
- Write neatly in columns when numbers are big.
Practice Problems
- Add 4 + 6 + 8.
- Find 11 + 13 + 16.
- Priya has 9 red, 7 blue, and 1 green crayon. How many crayons in all?
- Add 25 + 25 + 10.
- What is 6 + 6 + 6?
- Kavi ate 3 chapatis at breakfast, 4 at lunch, and 2 at dinner. How many chapatis in total?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I add three numbers?
Add any two numbers first to get a partial sum. Then add the third number to that partial sum. Example: 4 + 5 + 6 = (4 + 5) + 6 = 9 + 6 = 15.
Q2. Does it matter which two numbers I add first?
No. The answer will be the same no matter which pair you start with. Pick the pair that is easiest to add.
Q3. What is the make-10 trick?
Look for two numbers that add up to 10 (like 7 + 3, or 6 + 4). Add them first to get 10, then add the third number. Adding to 10 is easy.
Q4. Can I add more than three numbers?
Yes. Use the same method — keep adding one number at a time. For 2 + 3 + 4 + 1, first do 2 + 3 = 5, then 5 + 4 = 9, then 9 + 1 = 10.
Q5. Do I need to carry when adding three numbers?
Sometimes, yes. If the ones digits of all three numbers add to 10 or more, you will need to carry. Use the column method for bigger numbers.
Q6. Is adding three same numbers the same as multiplication?
Yes. 5 + 5 + 5 = 3 × 5 = 15. This is called repeated addition and it introduces multiplication.
