Addition and subtraction

Lower Primary 5 questions

What addition and subtraction means

You practise adding and taking away small numbers up to 100. This helps you answer class exercises quickly and check your working in simple word problems.

What you will practise

Add single-digit numbers within 100
Subtraction facts with numbers up to 100
Break two-digit numbers into tens and ones
Choose the correct sign for each sum

Before you start

You should know numbers up to 100 and be able to read them. It also helps if you can count forwards and backwards with ease.

Worked example

One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.

Question

What is 7 + 8?

Answer: 15

Working: Seven plus eight equals fifteen.

Common mistakes to avoid

Mixing up plus and minus. Look carefully at the sign before you answer.
Forgetting to carry out place value steps. Split tens and ones when numbers are larger.
Counting from the wrong number. Start at the first number, then add on carefully.
Writing an answer that is too large or too small. Check by counting again.

Curriculum and exam alignment

Ghana GES Basic 1 to 3 syllabusSchool-based assessment

In Lower Primary, this usually comes early in number work and supports counting, place value and simple number facts. It also gives useful practice for school-based continuous assessment and end-of-term tests.

Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.