📏 The Number Line Strategy
Jump along the number line to solve addition!
How It Works — Step by Step
Write the Bigger Number on the Number Line
Draw a number line and write the bigger number at the start. Example: For 36 + 24, write 36 at the beginning.
Break Down the Smaller Number
Decompose the smaller number into tens and ones. 24 = 20 + 4. That's 2 tens and 4 ones.
Jump Forward by Tens
From 36, make jumps of 10. First jump: 36 → 46. Second jump: 46 → 56. You've added the 2 tens!
Jump Forward by Ones
Now count on by ones from 56: 57, 58, 59, 60. You've added the 4 ones!
Read Your Answer
Where you landed is the answer!
36 + 24 = 60!
Mr. Aube's Tip:
The number line strategy is great because kids can actually see the math happening! Drawing it out helps them understand that addition means moving forward along numbers. Once they're comfortable, they can do these jumps in their head.
Practice Resources edit_note
Printable worksheets coming soon!
