Skill: Solve one-step addition word problems

When a word problem describes combining two known amounts, add the amounts to find the total.

Example:
Maya has 24 stickers. Her friend gives her 17 more stickers. How many stickers does Maya have now?

1. Find the two amounts being combined

• First amount: $(24)$ stickers
• Amount added: $(17)$ stickers

The units are stickers, so the answer will also be in stickers.

2. Show the situation with a bar model

24 stickers        17 stickers
|----------------|  |-----------|
        total stickers

The total includes both parts.

3. Write an addition equation

$$24+17=\Box$$

4. Add

$$\begin{aligned} 24+17&=24+10+7\\ &=34+7\\ &=41 \end{aligned}$$

5. State the answer with units

Maya has 41 stickers now.

6. Check if the answer is reasonable

Since $(24)$ is about $(20)$ and $(17)$ is about $(20)$, the total should be about $(40)$. The answer $(41)$ is reasonable.