Adding Three Items Together

🎯 What You'll Learn

You will learn to add three numbers together, which is what happens when you buy three items at the market.

🏪 Market Story

Emeka goes to the shop and buys three things: a pencil for ₦5, an eraser for ₦3, and a sharpener for ₦4. The shopkeeper says, "That will be... let me add it up." ₦5 + ₦3 + ₦4. Emeka works it out: first ₦5 + ₦3 = ₦8, then ₦8 + ₦4 = ₦12. "₦12, oga!" Emeka says.

📝 Let's Learn

To add three numbers, add the first two, then add the third to the result. You can also look for pairs that make 10!

Strategy: Look for pairs that make 10 first. For example, in 6 + 7 + 4, notice that 6 + 4 = 10, then 10 + 7 = 17. Much easier!

Example 1: 3 + 5 + 7. Add step by step: 3 + 5 = 8, then 8 + 7 = 15. Or: 3 + 7 = 10, then 10 + 5 = 15.

Example 2: 8 + 2 + 6. Notice 8 + 2 = 10! Then 10 + 6 = 16.

Example 3: 4 + 9 + 6. Notice 4 + 6 = 10! Then 10 + 9 = 19.

✏️ Practice Questions

1. What is 5 + 3 + 7?
2. Chidi buys items costing ₦6, ₦4, and ₦8. What is the total?
3. Add: 9 + 1 + 5. (Hint: look for a pair that makes 10!)

Click to see answers

1. 5 + 3 + 7 = 15. (5 + 3 = 8, then 8 + 7 = 15. Or: 3 + 7 = 10, then 10 + 5 = 15.)
2. ₦6 + ₦4 + ₦8 = ₦18. (6 + 4 = 10, then 10 + 8 = 18.)
3. 9 + 1 + 5 = 15. (9 + 1 = 10, then 10 + 5 = 15.)

💡 Remember

When adding three numbers, look for pairs that make 10 first. This shortcut makes adding much faster and easier!