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Doubles Plus One – Definition With Examples

Jo-ann Caballes

Updated on January 4, 2024

Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of mathematics? At Brighterly, we’re here to make the learning process not just easy but also enjoyable. Today, we’re going to explore a handy math trick that’s a favorite among children – the Doubles Plus One strategy. This powerful tool makes adding numbers a breeze, especially when those numbers are just one digit apart. By the end of this article, your child will be able to understand the concept, see how it differs from other strategies, and even practice a few examples to reinforce their learning. So buckle up for this mathematical journey and let’s discover the wonders of Doubles Plus One together!

How to Add Numbers with the Doubles Plus One Method

The magic of the Doubles Plus One strategy lies in its simplicity and efficiency. It reduces the time and cognitive effort required to add two consecutive numbers by transforming the problem into a simpler, more familiar format. Let’s dive into the steps involved in using this mathematical marvel.

1. Identify the smaller number: When presented with two consecutive numbers, first recognize the smaller number.
2. Find its double: The next step involves doubling the smaller number. The beauty of this approach is that doubling is often quicker and easier for children than adding different numbers.
3. Add one: The final step is to add one to the double you found in the previous step.

By decomposing the addition operation into these smaller, simpler steps, children are able to calculate more quickly and with fewer errors, thereby boosting their confidence and encouraging their exploration of more complex mathematical concepts.

What Is the Difference between “Doubles Plus One” and “Doubles Addition”?

While they might sound similar, Doubles Plus One and Doubles Addition refer to different mathematical strategies, each with its own unique applications and advantages.

Doubles Addition is the process of adding a number to itself, such as 5 + 5 or 8 + 8. This strategy is useful in developing early number sense and is often one of the first mental math strategies taught to children.

On the other hand, Doubles Plus One is a technique that builds upon the Doubles Addition strategy. In Doubles Plus One, children add two consecutive numbers by doubling the smaller number and then adding one. For example, to calculate 7 + 8, children would double 7 to get 14, and then add one to get 15. This method enhances mental calculation skills and enables children to handle larger numbers and more complex operations.

Solved Examples on Doubles Plus One

To help understand this concept better, let’s look at a few examples:

1. Example 1: Add 4 and 5 using the Doubles Plus One strategy.

   • Step 1: Identify the smaller number. In this case, it’s 4.
   • Step 2: Double the smaller number. The double of 4 is 8.
   • Step 3: Add one to the double. 8 plus 1 equals 9.
   • Therefore, 4 + 5 = 9.

2. Example 2: Add 7 and 8 using the Doubles Plus One strategy.

   • Step 1: The smaller number here is 7.
   • Step 2: Double 7 is 14.
   • Step 3: 14 plus 1 is 15.
   • Hence, 7 + 8 = 15.

Remember, the beauty of the Doubles Plus One strategy is that it turns the task of adding two different numbers into a more manageable process of doubling and adding one.

Practice Problems on Doubles Plus One

It’s time to put your newfound knowledge to the test! Here are some practice problems to get you started:

1. 2 + 3 = ?
2. 5 + 6 = ?
3. 9 + 10 = ?
4. 11 + 12 = ?

Remember to use the Doubles Plus One strategy. Identify the smaller number, double it, and then add one.

Conclusion

At Brighterly, our mission is to simplify the complex world of mathematics for children, transforming the potentially intimidating into the thrilling and accessible. A prime example of this approach is our introduction of the Doubles Plus One method. This powerful yet straightforward mathematical strategy is more than just a neat trick—it’s a foundational skill that can serve as a springboard for a broader and deeper understanding of arithmetic.

Doubles Plus One is a gatekeeper of sorts—it not only makes the process of addition more intuitive and manageable for children just starting out with numbers, but it also promotes the development of crucial skills such as mental math abilities and number sense. More importantly, it establishes the foundational understanding of number relationships, a critical aspect that underpins more advanced mathematical concepts.

By mastering the Doubles Plus One strategy, students don’t just learn to add numbers—they also build a solid foundation for future mathematical exploration and discovery. This is the Brighterly way: we make math fun, approachable, and comprehensible, opening a world of possibilities for our students.

Frequently Asked Questions on Doubles Plus One

What is the Doubles Plus One strategy?

The Doubles Plus One strategy is a useful mental math tool that simplifies the process of adding two consecutive numbers. The strategy is pretty straightforward. Instead of adding the two numbers directly, you identify the smaller number, double it, and then add one. This method is particularly effective when one number is exactly one more than the other.

How is Doubles Plus One different from Doubles Addition?

While both Doubles Plus One and Doubles Addition are valuable addition strategies, they are used in different scenarios. Doubles Addition is the process of adding a number to itself—it’s an easy and simple way to add numbers that are identical. In contrast, Doubles Plus One is used when you are dealing with two consecutive numbers. Here, you double the smaller number and add one to it.

How can Doubles Plus One help in math learning?

Doubles Plus One can be a significant asset in a child’s mathematical journey. It simplifies the addition of consecutive numbers, making the process quicker and less prone to errors. But beyond that, it helps promote computational fluency and foster a deeper understanding of the relationships between numbers. By learning and applying the Doubles Plus One strategy, children can enhance their mental calculation skills, a key component in fostering a love for mathematics and improving problem-solving capabilities.

Jo-ann Caballes

6 articles

As a seasoned educator with a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education and over three years of experience, I specialize in making mathematics accessible to students of all backgrounds through Brighterly. My expertise extends beyond teaching; I blog about innovative educational strategies and have a keen interest in child psychology and curriculum development. My approach is shaped by a belief in practical, real-life application of math, making learning both impactful and enjoyable.