Solve Vertical Addition: 521 + 8 Step by Step

Q: Why do I need to align the numbers in columns?

Place value alignment ensures you're adding units to units, tens to tens, and hundreds to hundreds. Without proper alignment, you'll add the wrong values together!

Q: What if one number has fewer digits than the other?

That's normal! Just remember that missing digits are zeros. In this problem, 8 is really 008, so you add 1+8, 2+0, and 5+0.

Q: Do I always start adding from the right side?

Yes! Always start from the rightmost column (units place) and work your way left. This follows the natural flow of our number system.

Q: How can I double-check my vertical addition?

Try adding the numbers horizontally: $521 + 8$. You can also use the commutative property: $8 + 521 = 529$.

Vertical Addition with Place Value Alignment

$\begin{aligned} &521 \\ +& \\ &~~~~8 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:03 Let's solve this problem together!

00:06 First, we'll add the digits in each column.

00:09 Start by adding the ones, digit by digit.

00:13 If there's nothing there, just put a zero.

00:17 Next, add the tens. Place the answer in the tens spot.

00:21 Again, if anything is missing, use a zero.

00:25 Finally, let's add the hundreds, and write it there.

00:28 Great job! And that's how we solve this problem.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$\begin{aligned} &521 \\ +& \\ &~~~~8 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we will add the numbers 521 and 8 using vertical addition:

Step 1: Write the numbers in vertical form, aligning by the units place:

$\begin{array}{c} 521 \\ +~~8 \\ \hline \underline{\phantom{529}} \end{array}$

Step 2: Add the digits in the units place: $1 + 8 = 9$ . Write the result below the line in the units place.
Step 3: Add the digits in the tens place: $2 + 0 = 2$ . Write the result in the tens place.
Step 4: Add the digits in the hundreds place: $5 + 0 = 5$ . Write the result in the hundreds place.

Thus, the sum of 521 and 8 is $529$ .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $\boxed{529}$ .

Final Answer

529

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Alignment: Write numbers in columns, aligning digits by place value
Technique: Add column by column starting from rightmost: 1 + 8 = 9
Check: Verify by adding horizontally: 521 + 8 = 529 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Misaligning digits by place value
Don't put 8 under the tens or hundreds place = wrong calculation! This creates 521 + 80 = 601 instead of 521 + 8. Always align the rightmost digit (8) under the units place of the larger number.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$\begin{aligned} &90 \\ +& \\ &~~9\\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to align the numbers in columns?

Place value alignment ensures you're adding units to units, tens to tens, and hundreds to hundreds. Without proper alignment, you'll add the wrong values together!

What if one number has fewer digits than the other?

That's normal! Just remember that missing digits are zeros. In this problem, 8 is really 008, so you add 1+8, 2+0, and 5+0.

Do I always start adding from the right side?

Yes! Always start from the rightmost column (units place) and work your way left. This follows the natural flow of our number system.

How can I double-check my vertical addition?

Try adding the numbers horizontally: $521 + 8$ . You can also use the commutative property: $8 + 521 = 529$ .

What if I need to carry over to the next column?

This problem doesn't require carrying, but when you do need it, write the carry digit small above the next column and remember to add it in!

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