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      Add 2-digit numbers using column addition

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can add 2-digit numbers using column addition.

      Key learning points

      1. The addends are written in columns with the same value digits in the same column
      2. Start by adding numbers with the smallest place value first
      3. Record the sum below the addends

      Keywords

      • Addend - An addend is a number added to another.

      • Sum - The sum is the the total when numbers are added together.

      • Column addition - Column addition is a way of adding numbers by writing a number below another.

      Common misconception

      Pupils may refer to adding numbers in the tens as 3 + 6 rather than 30 + 60

      Encourage them to refer to the tens numbers as tens, and use the language appropriately. In 34 + 44, we add 4 and 4 together and then we add 30 and 40 together. This will support their reasoning as they progress in this unit.

      Teacher tip

      Base ten blocks may be useful to help children represent and understand column addition. Ensure that children understand that they start by adding the numbers on the right first - avoid saying 'start with the ones' as in upper key stage 2 they will be adding decimal numbers using column addition.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is represented by the digit 5 in 56?

      5
      Correct answer: 50
      500

      Q2.
      What is represented by the digit 2 in 256?

      2
      20
      Correct answer: 200

      Q3.
      Which calculation matches the base ten blocks representation?

      An image in a quiz
      123 + 54
      133 + 44
      134 + 45
      Correct answer: 133 + 54

      Q4.
      Which calculation matches the base ten blocks representation?

      An image in a quiz
      133 + 144
      134 + 143
      Correct answer: 135 + 143
      145 + 134

      Q5.
      Which calculation matches the column addition?

      An image in a quiz
      124 + 131
      214 + 131
      224 + 121
      Correct answer: 224 + 131

      Q6.
      Which two numbers are being added in the column addition?

      An image in a quiz
      two hundred and three
      Correct answer: two hundred and thirty
      two hundred and sixty
      Correct answer: two hundred and six

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which addition calculation is represented by the base ten blocks?

      An image in a quiz
      42 + 36
      Correct answer: 32 + 46
      33 + 46
      32 + 44

      Q2.
      Which two addends are added in this column addition?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: twenty-four
      thirty-four
      Correct answer: forty-three
      sixty-seven

      Q3.
      What is the missing sum in the column addition?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 63, sixty-three

      Q4.
      What is the missing sum in the column addition?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 78, seventy-eight

      Q5.
      What ones digit is missing from this column addition?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 2, two

      Q6.
      What is the missing addend in this column addition?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 20, twenty

      To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Add 2-digit numbers using column addition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...