C Curriculum Explorer
Mathematics·Addition & Subtraction·conceptual

Grouping numbers to add

Understand and apply the associative property of addition: when adding three numbers, any two can be added first

Suggested ages 6–7

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Learning journey

Your child is building strong foundations in addition and subtraction — learning to add and subtract numbers fluently within 20, understanding the relationship between these operations, and applying various mental strategies to solve problems.

Evidence of understanding

  • Solve 2 + 6 + 4 by first adding 6 + 4 = 10, then 2 + 10 = 12
  • Explain that grouping addends differently gives the same total
  • Choose which two numbers to add first to make the calculation easier

Assessment prompt

If Grouping numbers to add needs to add 3 + 7 + 6, can they spot that adding 3 and 7 first (to make 10) is easier — rather than always working left to right?

Standards alignment

1.OA.3US · ccss-math

Apply properties of operations

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · 1