Adding prices

Quick answer

You can add prices together by lining up the decimal points and adding the pounds and pence separately, just like adding money in your pocket.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to add together prices in pounds and pence using the correct method and understand how to keep track of the decimal point.

• You can add two prices together and get the right total
• You can use the decimal point to help you keep track of pounds and pence
• You can check your answer by using a different method or counting backwards
• You can use this skill when shopping or saving up for something special

Why this matters

Adding prices is useful when you're shopping, saving up for something, or even when you're helping your parents count change. It helps you know how much money you'll need and whether you have enough. It's also a skill you use every day when you're counting your pocket money or planning a birthday party.

When you learn to add prices, you're using your knowledge of place value and decimals, which helps you in many other maths topics. It's like learning to play a game with numbers, and once you get good at it, it becomes easy and fun!

How it works

Adding prices is just like adding money in your pocket. Here's how to do it step by step:

1. Write the prices one under the other, making sure the decimal points line up
2. Add the pence first (the numbers after the decimal point)
3. Add the pounds (the numbers before the decimal point)
4. If the pence add up to more than 100, you need to carry over to the pounds
5. Check your answer by counting backwards or using a calculator

Let's take a closer look at how this works with examples.

Examples you can see

Imagine you're at the shop and you want to buy two things:

• A pencil for £1.25
• A notebook for £2.40

Let's add these prices together:

First, we add the pence: 25 pence + 40 pence = 65 pence

Then we add the pounds: 1 pound + 2 pounds = 3 pounds

So the total is £3.65.

Here’s another example with a slightly harder sum:

Imagine you buy:

• A toy car for £4.95
• A toy train for £3.80

First, add the pence: 95 pence + 80 pence = 175 pence

Since 175 pence is more than 100 pence, we change 100 pence into 1 pound.

So we have 1 pound and 75 pence left over.

Then we add the pounds: 4 pounds + 3 pounds + 1 pound (carried over) = 8 pounds

The total is £8.75.

Try it as a mini adventure

Let's go on a shopping adventure!

You have £10 to spend on a surprise for your friend. You go to the shop and find these items:

• Colouring pencils for £2.30
• A sticker book for £3.50
• A small toy for £1.90
• A notebook for £1.25

Your mission is to add up the prices of these items and see if you have enough money.

1. First, write down the prices and line them up
2. Add the pence first: 30 pence + 50 pence + 90 pence + 25 pence = ?
3. Add the pounds: 2 pounds + 3 pounds + 1 pound + 1 pound = ?
4. Check your answer and see if you have enough money to buy all items

Can you find a way to add these prices together and work out if you can buy all the items with your £10?

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Forgetting to line up the decimal points
• Why it happens: It's easy to write numbers without thinking about the decimal point
• Fix: Always put the decimal points in the same column, like a line
• Mistake: Adding the pounds and pence together without separating them
• Why it happens: This can confuse the place value
• Fix: Add pence first, then pounds, and remember to carry over if needed
• Mistake: Thinking that 100 pence = £10
• Why it happens: It's easy to mix up how many pence make a pound
• Fix: Remember that 100 pence = £1

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:

• Practising adding prices with real coins and notes
• Shopping together and asking your child to add prices
• Using a calculator to check answers and explain why
• Encouraging your child to explain their thinking
• Using games or apps that focus on money and addition

Remember to be patient and celebrate small wins. Adding prices can be tricky at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature!

Practice questions

1. What is £2.40 + £1.35?
2. Calculate £5.60 + £3.25
3. Add £1.95 + £2.75
4. Find the total of £4.80 + £2.40
5. What is £3.10 + £5.90?

Answers:

1. £3.75
2. £8.85
3. £4.70
4. £7.20
5. £9.00

FAQ

Why do we need to line up the decimal points?

Because it helps us add the pounds and pence correctly. If the decimal points are not lined up, we might add pence to pounds by mistake.

Can I use a calculator to check my answers?

Yes! Using a calculator is a great way to check your work and make sure you're doing it right.

What happens if the pence add up to more than 100?

If the pence add up to more than 100, you need to carry over 1 pound to the pounds column. For example, 120 pence = 1 pound and 20 pence.

How can I practice adding prices at home?

You can use real coins and notes, or play a game where you pretend to shop with your family and add up the prices.

Is it okay to use a different method to check my answer?

Yes! You can use a different method, like counting on your fingers or using a number line, to make sure your answer is correct.