X Tables
addition

Addition vocabulary

Explain add, plus, sum, total, altogether, increase and more than.

Quick answer

Addition vocabulary includes words like add, plus, sum, total, altogether, increase, and more than. These words all mean "to put things together" or "to find how many there are in total."

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand the different words that mean "add" or "find the total" in maths, and you will be able to use them correctly in sentences and problems. Success signs:
  • You can match words like "plus", "sum", and "altogether" to addition problems
  • You can use addition vocabulary in your own sentences
  • You can tell the difference between words that mean "add" and words that mean "subtract"
  • You can solve simple addition problems using the right vocabulary

Why this matters

Understanding addition vocabulary helps you read and solve maths problems more easily. When you know what words like "altogether" or "increase" mean, you can quickly figure out what you need to do. This is useful in school, in games, and in everyday life like shopping, cooking, or sharing snacks with friends.

How it works

Addition vocabulary is about understanding the different words that mean "putting things together" or "finding the total." These words can be used in sentences like:
  • "I add 3 apples and 2 apples to get 5 apples."
  • "There are 4 red cars and 3 blue cars. The total is 7 cars."
  • "The number increased by 5."
Each of these sentences uses different words to show that we are adding numbers together. Let's explore each word one by one.

Examples you can see

Let's look at how each addition word works in real examples:

Add

  • Example: You have 5 toys and your friend gives you 3 more toys. You add 5 and 3 to get 8 toys.
  • Number sentence: 5 + 3 = 8

Plus

  • Example: A pizza has 6 slices. You eat 2 slices. How many are left? The problem says "6 plus 2" but that's not right for this question. Actually, "plus" means to add. So "6 plus 2" means 6 + 2 = 8.
  • Number sentence: 6 + 2 = 8

Sum

  • Example: The sum of 4 and 5 is 9.
  • Number sentence: 4 + 5 = 9

Total

  • Example: You collect 7 stickers and your sister gives you 5 more. Your total is 12 stickers.
  • Number sentence: 7 + 5 = 12

Altogether

  • Example: You have 3 blue balls and 4 red balls. How many balls do you have altogether? 3 + 4 = 7 balls.
  • Number sentence: 3 + 4 = 7

Increase

  • Example: Your pet hamster had 2 seeds. You gave it 3 more seeds. The number of seeds increased by 3.
  • Number sentence: 2 + 3 = 5

More than

  • Example: You have 6 marbles. Your friend has 2 more than you. Your friend has 8 marbles.
  • Number sentence: 6 + 2 = 8

Try it as a mini adventure

The Treasure Hunt Adventure

You are on a treasure hunt! You start with 5 gold coins. Then, you find a chest with 3 more coins. How many coins do you have altogether?
  • First step: You have 5 coins.
  • Second step: You find 3 more coins.
  • Third step: You add 5 and 3 to get the total.
  • Fourth step: 5 + 3 = 8 coins altogether!
Now, you find another chest with 2 more coins. How many coins do you have now?
  • First step: You had 8 coins.
  • Second step: You found 2 more coins.
  • Third step: You add 8 and 2 to get the new total.
  • Fourth step: 8 + 2 = 10 coins!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking "more than" means to subtract.
    • Why it happens: The word "more than" sounds like it's asking for a bigger number, but people sometimes confuse it with "less than."
    • Fix: Remember that "more than" means to add or increase. If someone says "I have 5 more than you," you add 5 to their number.
  • Mistake: Confusing "increase" with "decrease."
    • Why it happens: Both words involve change, but "increase" means to go up, while "decrease" means to go down.
    • Fix: Remember that "increase" means "to make bigger" and "decrease" means "to make smaller." So if a number increases by 3, it goes up by 3.
  • Mistake: Using "sum" only for numbers that are added.
    • Why it happens: Children might think "sum" is only used for adding two numbers.
    • Fix: "Sum" can be used for any group of numbers that are added together. For example, "the sum of 2, 3, and 4 is 9."

Parent and carer guide

How to help your child

  • Practice: Ask your child to use addition vocabulary in everyday situations. For example, "How many cookies do you have altogether?" or "What is the sum of your apples and oranges?"
  • Play games: Create a game where you say a sentence using addition words and ask your child to solve it. For example, "If you have 4 toys and get 2 more, what is the total?"
  • Read together: Read books or stories that use addition vocabulary. Point out words like "altogether" and "sum" and talk about what they mean.
  • Be patient: It's normal for children to mix up words at first. Keep practicing with fun examples and positive reinforcement.

What to watch for

  • Does your child mix up words like "increase" and "decrease"?
  • Can they use "more than" correctly in a sentence?
  • Do they understand that "sum" can be used for more than two numbers?

Practice questions

  1. What is the sum of 4 and 6?
  2. If you have 5 books and get 3 more, how many books do you have altogether?
  3. What is 7 increased by 2?
  4. If you have 8 crayons and your friend gives you 4 more, how many do you have more than before?
  5. What is the total of 3 and 9?

Answers:

  1. 10
  2. 8
  3. 9
  4. 4
  5. 12

FAQ

What does "add" mean in maths?

Add means to put things together or to find how many there are in total. For example, if you have 3 apples and 2 oranges, you add them to get 5 fruits.

What is the difference between "sum" and "total"?

Sum and total are very similar and both mean "the answer to an addition problem." You can use them interchangeably. For example, the sum of 5 and 3 is 8, and the total of 5 and 3 is also 8.

How do I know when to use "increase"?

You use "increase" when a number gets bigger. For example, if you start with 5 and get 3 more, the number increases by 3. It's like saying "the number went up by 3."

Can "more than" be used in subtraction problems?

No, "more than" is only used in addition problems. It tells you how much more you have. For example, "I have 3 more than you" means you have 3 more than the other person's amount.

Why is it important to learn addition vocabulary?

Learning addition vocabulary helps you understand what a maths problem is asking you to do. When you know words like "altogether" or "sum," you can solve problems faster and more easily.