See free Year 1 addition within 20 worked examples with clear strategies and answers, aligned to the England primary curriculum.
Model the thinking
Four worked examples
Try each question first, then compare the strategy and answer. The aim is to understand the method, not just copy the final result.
1
Add
7 + 3 = __.
How to think about it: Decide which operation the question needs, keep tens/ones or larger place values aligned, and calculate in manageable steps. Check with the inverse operation where possible. Use counters or fingers.
Show answer
Answer: 10
2
Add
8 + 5 = __.
How to think about it: Decide which operation the question needs, keep tens/ones or larger place values aligned, and calculate in manageable steps. Check with the inverse operation where possible. Count on from 8.
Show answer
Answer: 13
3
Missing number
6 + __ = 10.
How to think about it: Decide which operation the question needs, keep tens/ones or larger place values aligned, and calculate in manageable steps. Check with the inverse operation where possible.
Show answer
Answer: 4
4
Picture story
There are 5 red apples and 4 green apples. How many apples altogether?
How to think about it: Decide which operation the question needs, keep tens/ones or larger place values aligned, and calculate in manageable steps. Check with the inverse operation where possible.
Show answer
Answer: 9 apples
Next step
Turn the explanation into practice
Use the printable for independent work, or return to the topic overview to choose another way to practise.