Calculate the Sum: Solving 38 + 2 + 8 Step by Step

Q: Why should I add 2 + 8 first instead of going left to right?

Adding 2 + 8 = 10 first creates a round number! It's much easier to calculate 38 + 10 = 48 in your head than doing multiple steps with non-round numbers.

Q: What if the numbers don't make a round number when paired?

That's okay! You can still add left to right: 38 + 2 = 40, then 40 + 8 = 48. The regrouping strategy just makes it easier when possible.

Q: How do I quickly spot which numbers to pair together?

Look for pairs that add up to 10, 20, 100, etc. Common pairs: 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, 1+9. These create round numbers that are easier to work with!

Q: Does the order I add numbers really matter?

No! Addition follows the commutative property - you can add in any order and get the same answer. Choose the order that makes the math easiest for you.

Q: What's the fastest way to check my addition?

Try adding in a different order! If you got 48 by doing (2+8) + 38, verify by calculating (38+2) + 8. Same answer means you're correct!

Addition Strategy with Regrouping Numbers

$38+2+8=$ ?

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:02 We will use the substitution law and solve the previous simple addition, let's continue

00:04 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

$38+2+8=$ ?

Step-by-step solution

First, solve the right-hand side of the exercise since adding these numbers together will give you a round number:

$2+8=10$

This leaves you with an easier exercise to solve:

$38+10=48$

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Strategy: Look for pairs that make round numbers first
Technique: Combine 2 + 8 = 10, then add 38 + 10
Check: Count up: 38, 40, 46, 48 matches our answer ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding from left to right without looking for easier combinations
Don't automatically compute 38 + 2 = 40 first, then 40 + 8 = 48! While this works, it's harder mental math. Always scan for number pairs that make 10, 100, or other round numbers to simplify calculations.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 94+12+6= $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why should I add 2 + 8 first instead of going left to right?

Adding 2 + 8 = 10 first creates a round number! It's much easier to calculate 38 + 10 = 48 in your head than doing multiple steps with non-round numbers.

What if the numbers don't make a round number when paired?

That's okay! You can still add left to right: 38 + 2 = 40, then 40 + 8 = 48. The regrouping strategy just makes it easier when possible.

How do I quickly spot which numbers to pair together?

Look for pairs that add up to 10, 20, 100, etc. Common pairs: 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, 1+9. These create round numbers that are easier to work with!

Does the order I add numbers really matter?

No! Addition follows the commutative property - you can add in any order and get the same answer. Choose the order that makes the math easiest for you.

What's the fastest way to check my addition?

Try adding in a different order! If you got 48 by doing (2+8) + 38, verify by calculating (38+2) + 8. Same answer means you're correct!

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Commutative, Distributive and Associative Properties questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime