Mental maths · lesson 6 of 28 · free

Add 2-digit numbers left to right — Mental Maths Mastery

On paper we add from the right, but in your head it is easier from the left. Keep the first number whole, add the tens of the second, then its ones.

How to do it in your head

Tens first — “add the tens, then the ones, from left to right”

  1. Keep the first number as it is.
  2. Add the tens of the second number.
  3. Add the ones.

Use it for: Adding prices, marks and scores without writing them down.

Worked example: 58 + 34 = 92

  1. Split 34 into 30 and 4.
  2. 58 + 30 = 88.
  3. 88 + 4 = 92.

Check: 58 + 34 = 50 + 30 + 8 + 4 = 80 + 12 = 92 ✓

✏️ Practice

Work it out in your head or on paper, type the answer and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

Right: 0 · Tried: 0

🏁 Lesson 6 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the 🚂 Tens-First Express badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 7 lessons of Part 1 · Mental addition & subtraction. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ Mental Addition Worksheet for Class 2 and 3

✨ Free AI tutor

Ask the AI tutor about this lesson

Why does it work? When should you use it? Ask in English, मराठी or हिंदी.

Sign in with Google to ask Free — 20 questions a day.

👩‍🏫 Mental maths classes near you — online or at home

Prefer a real teacher? TalentJR teachers take live online classes anywhere in India and visit homes in selected cities. Tell us what you need and our team will call you with timings and fees.

Live online classesSmall groups or 1:1 with a teacher, from home, any city.
Teacher at homeA TalentJR teacher visits your home (selected cities).
At a centreClasses at a TalentJR partner centre near you, where available.
Badges, certificates & gifts A badge for every lesson you pass, a certificate for every part you finish, plus TalentJR Points for daily practice. Tables & multiplication Still learning tables? Start with Tables & Multiplication Mastery.