emily.haney
emily.haney 3d ago โ€ข 0 views

How to add 37+5 using the 'Break Apart' strategy in Grade 2 math

Hey everyone! ๐Ÿ‘‹ I'm struggling with adding 37 + 5 using the 'break apart' strategy. Can someone explain it in a simple way? ๐Ÿ™
๐Ÿงฎ Mathematics

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michael_ashley Jan 7, 2026

โž• Understanding the Break Apart Strategy

The 'break apart' strategy, also known as decomposition, is a method used to simplify addition problems by breaking down numbers into their place values (tens, ones, etc.). This makes it easier to add the numbers mentally or on paper. Let's explore how to add 37 + 5 using this strategy.

๐Ÿ“œ History and Background

The break apart strategy isn't tied to a single historical figure, but it's rooted in the fundamental principles of place value, which have been used in mathematics for centuries. It's a practical application of understanding how numbers are composed of different units, making complex calculations more manageable.

๐Ÿ”‘ Key Principles of the Break Apart Strategy

  • ๐Ÿ”ข Decomposition: Break down one or both numbers into their place values (tens and ones). For example, 37 can be broken down into 30 + 7.
  • โž• Addition by Place Value: Add the tens together, then add the ones together.
  • ๐Ÿค Combining Results: Combine the sums from each place value to get the final answer.

๐Ÿ“ Step-by-Step Example: 37 + 5

  1. Break Apart: Break down 37 into 30 + 7. The number 5 remains as it is since it's a single digit.
  2. Add the Ones: Add the ones together: 7 + 5 = 12.
  3. Combine: Add the tens and the result from the ones: 30 + 12.
  4. Final Sum: 30 + 12 = 42. Therefore, 37 + 5 = 42.

๐Ÿ’ก Another Example: 26 + 18

  1. Break Apart: Break down 26 into 20 + 6 and 18 into 10 + 8.
  2. Add the Tens: Add the tens together: 20 + 10 = 30.
  3. Add the Ones: Add the ones together: 6 + 8 = 14.
  4. Combine: Add the sums from the tens and ones: 30 + 14.
  5. Final Sum: 30 + 14 = 44. Therefore, 26 + 18 = 44.

โž• Real-World Examples

  • ๐ŸŽ Counting Fruits: If you have 37 apples and you get 5 more, use the break apart strategy to quickly find out you now have 42 apples.
  • ๐Ÿ“š Total Pages: If a book has 62 pages and you read 9 more pages today, you can use the break apart strategy to calculate how many pages you've read in total (62 + 9 = 71).

๐Ÿ“ Practice Quiz

Try these problems using the break apart strategy:

  1. 19 + 6
  2. 28 + 4
  3. 45 + 7
  4. 33 + 9
  5. 56 + 8
  6. 67 + 5
  7. 74 + 8

โœ… Conclusion

The break apart strategy is a valuable tool for simplifying addition problems, especially for Grade 2 students. By breaking down numbers into their place values, addition becomes more manageable and easier to understand. Keep practicing, and you'll master this strategy in no time!

โœ… Best Answer
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hale.joshua4 Jan 7, 2026

โž• Understanding the 'Break Apart' Strategy

The 'break apart' strategy, also known as decomposition, is a method used in math to simplify addition problems. Instead of adding numbers as they are, you break them down into smaller, more manageable parts (usually tens and ones) to make the addition easier. Then, you add the parts together.

๐Ÿ“œ History and Background

The break apart strategy isn't tied to a specific historical figure, but it's rooted in the fundamental principles of place value that have been understood for centuries. Ancient mathematical systems, like those used in Egypt and Mesopotamia, also relied on breaking down numbers to perform calculations. This strategy is a modern adaptation of these core ideas, designed to help children develop a stronger number sense.

๐Ÿ”‘ Key Principles

  • ๐Ÿ”ข Place Value: Understanding that a number's value depends on its position (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.). For example, in the number 37, the '3' represents 30 (3 tens) and the '7' represents 7 ones.
  • โž— Decomposition: Breaking numbers into their components. For instance, 37 can be broken down into 30 + 7.
  • โž• Addition of Parts: Adding the broken-down parts together.
  • ๐Ÿค Recomposition (Optional): Combining the added parts back together, if necessary.

โœ๏ธ Solving 37 + 5 Using the Break Apart Strategy

Let's break down the problem 37 + 5 step-by-step:

  1. Break apart one of the numbers: We can break apart 5 into its ones: 5 = 5
  2. Add the tens and ones separately:Start with 37. We'll add the 5 to it: 37 + 5
  3. Add the ones: 7 + 5 = 12
  4. Add the tens: We still have the 30 from 37.
  5. Combine: 30 + 12 = 42

Therefore, 37 + 5 = 42

๐Ÿ“Š Real-World Examples

  • ๐ŸŽ Counting Fruits: Imagine you have 37 apples in a basket and you add 5 more. Breaking it down: 37 apples + 5 apples = (30 + 7) + 5 = 30 + (7 + 5) = 30 + 12 = 42 apples.
  • ๐Ÿ“š Counting Books: You have 37 books on a shelf and get 5 new ones. Breaking it down: 37 books + 5 books = (30 + 7) + 5 = 30 + (7 + 5) = 30 + 12 = 42 books.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips and Tricks

  • โœ๏ธ Use Visual Aids: Use drawings or manipulatives (like blocks) to represent the numbers being broken apart.
  • ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Verbalize the Process: Encourage students to explain each step as they break down the numbers and add them.
  • โž• Practice Regularly: Consistent practice will help students become more comfortable and confident with the strategy.

โœ… Conclusion

The 'break apart' strategy is a valuable tool for developing number sense and making addition easier, especially for Grade 2 students. By breaking down numbers into smaller parts, students can tackle more complex addition problems with greater confidence.

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