Expanded addition is a method used to add numbers using the expanded form of the number. So, the question is, what is the expanded form of a number?

The expanded form of a number is created when the number is written to show the place value of each digit.

76 in the expanded form is 70 + 6234 in the expanded form is 200 + 30 + 4

This is often used in schools as an introduction to explaining the written method of addition using columns. In the expanded column addition method you expand the numbers and then use the column method to add the expanded numbers.

Not clear? The best bet is to take a look at our most recent set of worksheets on using expanded addition to add 3-digit numbers.

Go to Year 3 Addition