How to Do Math Sums

With a Calculator

• 1

  Enter the first number on the key pad. For example, "5."

• 2

  Press the "+" sign and enter the second number. For example, "4."

• 3

  Press the "=" sign. The answer is 9.

By Hand

• 4

  Write down the first number. For example, "12."

• 5

  Write down the second number underneath it in an even row. For example, write "14." Draw a line under the bottom of the two numbers. This is where your answer will go.

• 6

  Add together the numbers in the right column: 4 + 2 = 6.

• 7

  Add together the numbers in the left column: 1 + 1 = 2. The answer you are left with is 26. Suppose the numbers are more difficult to add, like 25 + 36. First, add 6 and 5. The answer is 11, but do not write down "11." Instead, write down "1" and then carry the other "1" (the remainder) over the numbers in the tens column. Now calculate 2 + 3 as well as the 1 you carried over, like this: 1 + 2 + 3 = 6. The result should look like this: 25 + 36 = 61. If there were more digits in the numbers you are adding -- for example, three, four or five digits -- you just keep carrying over the remainder from right to left until you reach the end.