Grade 1 → Basic Addition and Subtraction ↓
Introduction to Doubles Facts
What are doubles facts?
Doubles facts are simple addition problems where the same number is added to itself. By learning doubles facts, children can do their calculations faster and with more confidence. For example, adding 2 + 2 or 5 + 5 are doubles facts. Doubles facts are fundamental tools that help children master higher-level math tasks as they advance in their education. They also provide a foundation for better understanding addition and subtraction.
Facts related to the importance of doubles
Understanding doubles facts can greatly improve a child's math fluency. Children often find these facts easy to remember, and they serve as useful references when solving other math problems. For example, knowing that 6 + 6 = 12 can help a child quickly understand that 6 + 7 is just one more than 12, which is 13.
Basic doubles facts
Here's a list of basic doubles facts to remember:
0 + 0 = 0
1 + 1 = 2
2 + 2 = 4
3 + 3 = 6
4 + 4 = 8
5 + 5 = 10
6 + 6 = 12
7 + 7 = 14
8 + 8 = 16
9 + 9 = 18
10 + 10 = 20
Visualization of doubles facts
Let's take a closer look at these doubles facts:
Using doubles facts: An example
Now let's see how we can use double facts to solve the sum problem:
Let's say you need to solve 7 + 8. If you know that 7 + 7 = 14, you just need to add one more to get 15, since 8 is one more than 7.
7 + 7 = 14 14 + 1 = 15 So, 7 + 8 = 15
How to teach doubles facts to kids
When teaching doubles facts, use objects that children can touch and move around. This concrete visual is very effective for young learners. You can also use blocks, counters, or fingers.
Practical learning with counters
Give children some counting tools and ask them to physically form groups and count doubles.
Example:
- Give the child 6 counters.
- Ask them to divide the counters into two equal groups of three each.
- Count the first group: 1, 2, 3.
- Count the second group: 1, 2, 3.
- By grouping, they see 3 + 3 = 6.
Using the number line
The number line can help understand the addition process with double factors:
Start with zero. To add 6 + 6:
- Start at 0 on the number line.
- Put "Jump" on 6.
- Make another "jump" of 6 spaces to land on 12.
Thus, 6 + 6 = 12.
Doubling in subtraction
Doubles facts can also be useful for subtraction. When children know their doubles facts, they can see patterns like these:
If 8 - 4 is presented, children learn to recognize that since 4 + 4 = 8, then 8 - 4 must be one of the numbers used in the double, which is 4.
If 4 + 4 = 8, then: 8 - 4 = 4
Using visualization for subtraction
Help children visualize subtraction problems by using doubles on the number line:
For 10 - 5:
- Start at 10 on the number line.
- Count back 5 places to get to 5.
Since 5 + 5 = 10, then 10 - 5 = 5.
Games and activities to practice doubles
Learning double facts can be fun using games and playful activities. Here are some suggestions:
Memory match game
Make cards with double facts on one side and their solutions on the other. Players take turns flipping over two cards, and try to match the problems to their answers.
Doubles fact bingo
Create bingo cards with the solutions to the doubles facts. Call out the doubles fact problem, and have kids mark the correct answer on their bingo cards.
Chant doubles
Encourage children to chant double facts in rhythm. For example: "Two and two make four, let's do a little more! Three and three? Six, voila!"
Conclusion
Introducing doubles facts establishes a strong foundation for addition and subtraction skills. By practicing doubles facts, students become more fluent in their calculations and are better equipped to handle more complex math problems as they progress in their education. Creating an engaging and interactive learning environment using physical objects, games, and visual aids can make these concepts more understandable and enjoyable for young learners.