Calculate the Sum: Solving 32 + 5 + 1 Step by Step

Q: Why should I add 5 + 1 first instead of going left to right?

Adding 5 + 1 = 6 first makes the problem easier! It's much simpler to compute 32 + 6 than to do 32 + 5, then add 1. This strategy helps you work faster and make fewer mistakes.

Q: Does the order I add numbers really matter?

Yes and no! The commutative property means the final answer is always the same, but choosing a smart order makes the math much easier. Look for combinations that make nice round numbers!

Q: What if I already calculated 32 + 5 = 37?

That's fine! Just continue: 37 + 1 = 38. Both methods work, but regrouping smaller numbers first usually prevents calculation errors and is faster.

Q: How can I check if 38 is correct?

Try counting up from 32: 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38. That's 6 steps, and 5 + 1 = 6, so 38 is correct!

Q: Are there other ways to group these numbers?

You could try 32 + 1 = 33, then 33 + 5 = 38. All groupings give the same answer, but 5 + 1 = 6 is usually the easiest to calculate mentally.

Addition Properties with Regrouping Strategy

$32+5+1=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solution

00:02 We will use the commutative law and solve the simple addition first, then continue

00:05 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$32+5+1=$

Step-by-step solution

First, we'll combine the lower numbers using the commutative property:

$5+1=6$

Now we'll get the exercise:

$32+6=38$

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Commutative Property: Numbers can be added in any order without changing the sum
Regrouping: Combine 5 + 1 = 6 first, then add to 32
Verification: Count up from 32: 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding numbers left to right without considering easier combinations
Don't just compute 32 + 5 = 37, then 37 + 1 = 38 mechanically! While this gives the right answer, it misses the efficient strategy. Always look for easier combinations like 5 + 1 = 6 first to simplify your mental math.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 100-(30-21)= $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why should I add 5 + 1 first instead of going left to right?

Adding 5 + 1 = 6 first makes the problem easier! It's much simpler to compute 32 + 6 than to do 32 + 5, then add 1. This strategy helps you work faster and make fewer mistakes.

Does the order I add numbers really matter?

Yes and no! The commutative property means the final answer is always the same, but choosing a smart order makes the math much easier. Look for combinations that make nice round numbers!

What if I already calculated 32 + 5 = 37?

That's fine! Just continue: 37 + 1 = 38. Both methods work, but regrouping smaller numbers first usually prevents calculation errors and is faster.

How can I check if 38 is correct?

Try counting up from 32: 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38. That's 6 steps, and 5 + 1 = 6, so 38 is correct!

Are there other ways to group these numbers?

You could try 32 + 1 = 33, then 33 + 5 = 38. All groupings give the same answer, but 5 + 1 = 6 is usually the easiest to calculate mentally.

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