Need Help Solving 14 + 4? How-to-Add Guide Is Your Ticket to Mathematics Salvation

Okay, you're the parent of a first-grader, and the problem of the day is...14 + 4.

Image source: Twitter via Twitchy

Looks easy enough, right?

Well, not so much for one parent whose kid was tasked with adding single-digit numbers to double-digit numbers.

Medley told TheBlaze that her son's school district is using Math in Focus. And it may not be surprising — after gandering at the six steps noted below — that Math in Focus "supports the goals of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics." (It's also an "authentic Singapore math curriculum — highlighting problem solving as the focus of mathematical learning.")

All you have to do is "Find a Ten."

Ready?

Step 1: Find the greatest number.

Step 2: Look at the greatest number.

Step 2, Sub-step 1: How many tens in the number?

Step 2, Sub-step 2: How many ones?

Step 2 Sub-step 3: Write the tens and the ones in a number bond.

Step 3: Check your number bond.

Step 3, Sub-step 1: Is it true?

Step 3, Sub-step 2: Will the two parts make the whole greatest number?

Image source: Twitter via Twitchy

No worries. Only three more steps to go...

Step 4: Join the ones together.

Step 4, Sub-step 1: How many ones are there now?

Step 4, Sub-step 2: Write the equation to add the ones.

Step 5: Write your new equation. 10 + _ = _ .

Step 5, Sub-step 1: The second number will be the ones from step 4 ("part" that is left from the number bond).

Image source: Twitter via Twitchy

And finally...

Step 6: Answer the original equation.

Step 6, Sub-step 1: It should be understood that the two equations are equal.

Then they let you in on a little secret:

14 + 4 is the same as 10 + 8.

Anyone for some subtraction?

(H/T: Twitchy)