vocabulary
Child-friendly Addition vocabulary
Child-friendly definitions and examples for words such as add, plus, total, sum, altogether, increase and more.
Quick answer
Addition vocabulary includes words like add, plus, total, sum, altogether, increase and more, which all mean to combine or join amounts to find a bigger number.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will know the different words used for addition and how to use them in maths problems. Success signs:- You can spot addition words in a sentence
- You can explain what "total" means
- You can use "increase" and "more" in your own maths sentences
- You can solve simple addition problems using these words
Why this matters
Understanding addition vocabulary helps you understand what a maths problem is asking. When you know the words like plus, total, and altogether, you can read word problems and know exactly what to do. These words are used in everyday life too – like when you ask "How many sweets do we have altogether?" or "If I get 3 more stickers, how many will I have?" Knowing these words makes you a better maths detective!How it works
Addition vocabulary words all mean the same thing – to put things together to make a bigger number. Here's how to understand them:- Add – to join or put numbers together
- Plus – another way to say "add"
- Total – the answer when you add numbers
- Sum – another word for the answer to an addition problem
- Altogether – how many there are when you put things together
- Increase – to make something bigger (like adding more to a number)
- More – extra amount added to something
Examples you can see
Here are some real examples using addition words:| Word | Example |
|---|---|
| Add | There are 3 apples and 2 oranges. Add them together. 3 + 2 = 5 |
| Plus | I have 4 toys and my friend gives me 3 more. 4 plus 3 equals 7 |
| Total | There are 6 red cars and 4 blue cars. What is the total number of cars? 6 + 4 = 10 |
| Sum | What is the sum of 5 and 3? 5 + 3 = 8 |
| Altogether | I have 2 pencils and 3 erasers. How many items do I have altogether? 2 + 3 = 5 |
| Increase | My pet hamster had 4 seeds. I gave it 2 more seeds. The number of seeds increased to 6 |
| More | I had 5 stickers and my sister gave me 3 more. I now have 8 stickers |
Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: The Treasure Hunt You are going on a treasure hunt with your friends. Here's how it works:- First, you find 4 gold coins in the garden
- Then, your friend gives you 3 more coins
- Next, you discover 2 more coins in the shed
- Finally, your teacher gives you 1 more coin
- How many coins did you add together?
- How many coins do you have altogether?
- What is the total number of coins?
- What is the sum of all the coins?
- How many more coins did you get?
- Did the number of coins increase?
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking "total" means to take away or subtract instead of add
Why it happens: Confusing addition and subtraction words
Fix: Remember that "total" means the answer when you add numbers together - Mistake: Using "more" and "increase" in the wrong way
Why it happens: Not understanding that "more" means to add
Fix: Practice saying "I have 5 apples and get 3 more" – that means 5 + 3 = 8 - Mistake: Not knowing that "plus" is the same as "add"
Why it happens: Hearing different words for the same idea
Fix: Practice saying "5 plus 2 equals 7" and "5 add 2 equals 7"
Parent and carer guide
Parents and carers can help by:- Pointing out addition words in daily life: "How many toys do we have altogether?"
- Playing simple addition games using these words
- Reading word problems and asking your child to identify the addition words
- Practising with everyday examples like: "You have 3 cookies and I give you 2 more. How many do you have altogether?"
- Encouraging your child to use these words when solving problems
- "Let's add these numbers together"
- "What is the total of these two amounts?"
- "If you get more, how many do you have now?"
- Children may mix up words at first – that's normal
- Don't rush them to memorise – they need to understand the meaning first
- Use these words naturally in conversations
Practice questions
- What is the sum of 4 and 5? Answer: 9
- If I have 3 stickers and get 2 more, how many do I have altogether? Answer: 5
- There are 6 blue birds and 4 red birds. What is the total number of birds? Answer: 10
- Tom has 7 toy cars and his dad gives him 3 more. How many cars does he have now? Answer: 10
- What is the total when you add 5 and 3? Answer: 8
- If I increase 6 by 4, what number do I get? Answer: 10
- How many more is 9 than 5? Answer: 4
- There are 8 red balloons and 2 blue balloons. What is the sum of all balloons? Answer: 10
- What is the total of 2, 3, and 4? Answer: 9
- If I add 6 and 7, what is the result? Answer: 13
FAQ
What does "add" mean in maths?
Add means to put numbers or amounts together to make a larger number.
What is the difference between "total" and "sum"?
They mean the same thing – the answer to an addition problem.
Can "increase" be used in subtraction problems?
No, "increase" always means to make something bigger by adding.
How can I remember the addition words?
Practice using them in sentences every day. You can also make flashcards with the words and examples.
Why do we need to know addition vocabulary?
Knowing these words helps you understand word problems and solve them more easily in maths.