What is the Count On method for adding two numbers?

• A. Adding two numbers by counting from the smaller number.
• B. Adding two numbers by counting from the largest number.
• C. Multiplying the two numbers.
• D. Subtracting the second number from the first.

Answer: (B)

Count On means you start with one addend and add by counting up the other addend. The typical approach is to begin with the larger number and then count up by the smaller number. For example, in 7 plus 5 you start at 7 and count 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, reaching 12. This method makes the addition feel like adding one more step at a time, which is especially handy for mental math.

Multiplying is a different operation, and subtracting changes the problem to how many would be left if you took away the second number, not how many in total. Counting from the smaller number could still reach the same total, but starting from the larger number is the standard, more efficient form of the Count On method.