Solve Vertical Addition: 15 + 56 Step by Step

Q: What does it mean to 'carry' a number?

When two digits add up to 10 or more, you write down the ones digit and carry the tens digit to the next column. For example, 5 + 6 = 11, so write 1 and carry 1.

Q: Why do I need to align the numbers vertically?

Proper alignment ensures you're adding digits in the same place value. Ones digits go under ones digits, tens under tens, and so on. Misalignment leads to wrong answers!

Q: Can I add from left to right instead?

It's much easier to add from right to left (ones place first) because carrying flows naturally to the left. Adding left to right makes carrying more complicated.

Q: How do I check if my vertical addition is correct?

Try adding the numbers horizontally as a check: 15 + 56. You can also use the reverse operation: does 71 - 15 = 56? If yes, your answer is right!

Vertical Addition with Carrying Operations

$\begin{aligned} &15 \\ +& \\ &56 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Each time calculate the sum of 2 digits, and then substitute

00:06 Let's start by adding ones with ones

00:09 Write down the ones, and remember 1 carried over

00:12 Add tens with tens, remember to add 1 to the calculation

00:19 Write in the tens place

00:22 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$\begin{aligned} &15 \\ +& \\ &56 \\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we will perform vertical addition on the numbers 15 and 56.

Let's break down the steps:

Step 1: Write the numbers vertically aligning the digits.
$\begin{array}{c} \phantom{0}15 \\ +56 \\ \underline{\phantom{776}} \end{array}$
Step 2: Add the digits in the ones place. The ones digits are 5 and 6.
$5 + 6 = 11$ .
Write down 1 in the ones place and carry over 1 to the tens place.
Step 3: Add the digits in the tens place, including the carried over 1. The tens digits are 1 and 5.
$1 + 5 + 1 = 7$ .
Write down 7 in the tens place.

The complete addition is:

\begin{array}{c} \phantom{0}15 \\ +56 \\ \underline{71} \end{array}

Thus, the solution to the problem is $\boxed{71}$ .

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Alignment: Line up digits by place value before adding
Technique: Add ones first: 5 + 6 = 11, write 1 carry 1
Check: Verify by adding horizontally: 15 + 56 = 71 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting to carry over when sum exceeds 9
Don't write 11 in the ones place when 5 + 6 = 11! This creates a two-digit number in a single place value position. Always write the ones digit (1) and carry the tens digit (1) to the next column.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$\begin{aligned} &90 \\ +& \\ &~~9\\ &\underline{\phantom{776}} & \\ \end{aligned}$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What does it mean to 'carry' a number?

When two digits add up to 10 or more, you write down the ones digit and carry the tens digit to the next column. For example, 5 + 6 = 11, so write 1 and carry 1.

Why do I need to align the numbers vertically?

Proper alignment ensures you're adding digits in the same place value. Ones digits go under ones digits, tens under tens, and so on. Misalignment leads to wrong answers!

What if I forget to add the carried number?

Always remember the carried number! In this problem, after carrying 1 from the ones place, you must add 1 + 5 + 1 = 7 in the tens place, not just 1 + 5 = 6.

Can I add from left to right instead?

It's much easier to add from right to left (ones place first) because carrying flows naturally to the left. Adding left to right makes carrying more complicated.

How do I check if my vertical addition is correct?

Try adding the numbers horizontally as a check: 15 + 56. You can also use the reverse operation: does 71 - 15 = 56? If yes, your answer is right!

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