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Why does two plus two equal four? |
Putting together two numbers, like two and two, is called “addition.” Sometimes we say or write “two plus two” or sometimes show it as “2 + 2”, where the symbol in the middle means “plus” and shows you that you need to add!
The best way to learn about adding numbers is to use objects, like pennies or cheerios. Find out if you can get some to use while you follow along. If not, just use your imagination! – Let's say you find two pennies on the sidewalk. You know how many of them you have because you can count them: one, two! Next, let's say your luck continues and you find two more pennies on the sidewalk! Now how many pennies do you have? Count them to see: one, two, three, four!
This is why two plus two equals four! But not every two numbers that you add equal four! Think about finding two pennies and then three pennies. Count how many you would have: one, two, three, four, five! Two plus three equals five! -- COOL!
Subtraction in action!
Try this activity to learn about the opposite of adding numbers: subtraction!
Pretend like you have three cookies to eat after lunch. You know you have three cookies because you can count them: one, two, three!
How many cookies will you have if you decide to give one of them to a friend?
Taking away, or “subtracting,” one cookie leaves you with two! Count them to make sure: one, two!
- “How To Teach Addition to Children.” Math and Reading Help. 27 Deb. 2011
- CoolMath4Kids.com. 27 Dec. 2011
To practice counting we use everything aroujnd us, all the time. The number of forks on the dinner table, the number of stairs to the apartmnet, the number of cups of rice when I make dinner. Practice, practice, practice!! :-)