In the Count On method, you begin counting from the largest number and add the second number.

• A. Starting from the smallest addend.
• B. Starting from the largest addend.
• C. Starting from zero.
• D. Starting from the middle value.

Answer: (B)

Count On is a mental math strategy that starts with the larger addend and counts up by the amount of the second addend. This works because you already know the bigger number, so you only need to add a small increment by counting up from that anchor. For example, 7 plus 5 becomes counting up from 7: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, so the total is 12. Starting from the smallest addend would mean building up from a smaller base, which is less efficient. Starting from zero would require counting all the way from the start each time, which slows you down. Starting from the middle value isn’t a standard anchor for this method and adds unnecessary steps.