The idea, step by step
Repeat the group size
Repeated addition joins the same-sized group more than once. Four groups of 3 are written 3 + 3 + 3 + 3. Each 3 counts the objects in one group. There are four addends because there are four groups.
Check that groups match
Only equal groups give repeated addition with the same addend. Bags containing 2, 2 and 5 marbles can be added, but they are not three equal groups. Draw a circle around each group to check the matching sizes.
A common trap
Writing 4 + 3 for four groups of three.
Instead: Repeat the 3 four times. The number of groups is not an extra addend.
See the thinking
Write a story as addition
There are 3 boxes with 5 toy cars in each. Find the total.
- Write one 5 for each box: 5 + 5 + 5.
- Add 5 + 5 = 10, then 10 + 5 = 15.
Read an addition
Make an equal-groups story for 2 + 2 + 2 + 2.
- There are four addends, each equal to 2.
- One story is 4 pairs of mittens.
Check your understanding
Write repeated addition for 3 groups of 2.
Show answer
2 + 2 + 2 = 6
Each group contributes another 2.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Write repeated addition for 4 groups of 2.
- Write repeated addition for 2 groups of 6.
- Find 5 + 5 + 5 + 5.
- How many equal groups are shown by 3 + 3 + 3?
- A caterpillar has 3 body parts with 2 spots on each. Write an addition and total.
- Is 4 + 4 + 2 an addition of three equal groups? Explain.
Read the worked solutions
- Write repeated addition for 4 groups of 2.
Write one 2 for each of the four groups.
2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 8 - Write repeated addition for 2 groups of 6.
There are two equal addends.
6 + 6 = 12 - Find 5 + 5 + 5 + 5.
Count 5, 10, 15, 20.
20 - How many equal groups are shown by 3 + 3 + 3?
There are three addends, each counting one group.
3 groups. - A caterpillar has 3 body parts with 2 spots on each. Write an addition and total.
Count one group of two spots per body part.
2 + 2 + 2 = 6 spots. - Is 4 + 4 + 2 an addition of three equal groups? Explain.
The addends must be equal to describe equal-sized groups.
No. The last group has 2 instead of 4.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum Mathematics
Equal groups; arrays; repeated addition; sharing/grouping; twos facts; doubling and halving.
Official curriculum source ↗