

Addend Definition Explained with Fun Examples and Practice Questions
Piku has 5 chocolates. Kuku gives him 2 more chocolates. Now, how many chocolates does Piku have? Five plus two…..seven! Yes, you got it right. You get the answer by adding 5 and 2. Isn't it? Yes, ok. Then, do you know what 5 and 2 are called in mathematical terms?
Think…think my dear child….think.
They are called augend and addend, respectively. These are the components of addition. So, here we will know more about ‘augend’ and ‘addend’.
What Is Addend?
Addend is a number that is added to another number to make a sum. To understand this, we will consider an example. Suppose you went to the market with your little sister. You both buy two chocolates each and return home. When you enter the home, she is asking for one more chocolate. Now, being an elder brother or sister you gave one more chocolate to your little sister. The chocolate you gave her will be added. That is called ‘Addend’. Now your sister has three chocolates. Isn't it? Yes, Good Job!
The number of chocolates your sister had earlier is called ‘augend’.
2 chocolates + 1 chocolate = 3 chocolates
Where 2 chocolates are called augend and the 1 chocolate ‘to be’ added is called ‘addend’.
Addend Example
Now, let us understand it further with the help of some addends example:
Example 1: If you have 2 candies and your grandfather gives you 5 more, how many candies do you have?
Solution: So, to get the total candies, you need to add the candies which you had earlier and that your grandfather gave you. So, the sum would be 2 plus 5 equals 7.
The pictorial representation of the given example is shown in the above image.
Example 2: Now, let us consider another example.
Solution: There is a dance performance in your school. The dance teacher told the monitor of your class that she needs 20 students. Your monitor has arranged 15 students so far. How many more students does your monitor need?
Since the monitor has arranged only 15 students, she needs 5 more students. The value ‘5’ is called an addend.
Now, we hope you understand what addend is. Here, we have some questions related to addition.
Fill in the Blanks
1. 2 + ☐ = 8
2. 12 + 3 = ☐
3. ☐ + 20 = 25
4. 10 + ☐ = 20
5. 8 + 12 = ☐
The answers to the above-given questions are following:
1. 6 2. 15 3. 5 4. 10 5. 20
So, do you have the same answers?
If yes, then very good! If not, do not be sad. Just try again because practice makes a person perfect. We have several worksheets on our website for you to practise and master addition.
Conclusion
In this article, you have learnt about addition and its components. Augend is the value ‘to which’ another number is added, whilst addend is the value which is ‘to be’ added with the augend. Both are required to perform the mathematical operation called ‘addition’.
FAQs on What Is an Addend in Maths?
1. What is an example of an addend?
An addend is any number that is added to another number in an addition operation. For example, in the addition problem $5 + 7 = 12$, both $5$ and $7$ are addends, and $12$ is the sum. Addends can be any numbers you wish to add together, whether whole numbers, decimals, or fractions.
2. What are the addends in math?
In mathematics, addends are the numbers or values that are combined by addition to get a sum. In the equation $a + b = c$,
- $a$ is an addend,
- $b$ is an addend,
- and $c$ is the sum.
3. How do you explain addends to a child?
To explain addends to a child, you can use simple examples and visual aids. You might say, "If you have 3 apples and get 2 more apples, you put them together. The numbers being added (3 and 2) are called addends. When you add them, you get a total, called the sum." You can also use objects like blocks or toys to physically demonstrate the process.
4. What are addends in 4th grade math?
In 4th grade math, addends are the numbers used in addition problems. Students learn to
- identify addends in equations,
- add more than two numbers,
- and solve word problems involving addends.
5. What is the definition of an addend in mathematics?
An addend in mathematics is defined as any number or quantity being added to another in an addition operation. In the equation $x + y = z$, both $x$ and $y$ are considered addends. Understanding addends is fundamental for learning arithmetic and solving a wide range of math problems. Vedantu offers interactive lessons to help students recognize and work with addends effectively.
6. How do you identify addends in a word problem?
To identify addends in a word problem, look for numbers that are combined or grouped together using the word "and" or symbols like "+". For example, in the problem, "Riya has 4 pencils and gets 3 more," the addends are 4 and 3. Recognizing addends helps students set up and solve addition equations with confidence, a skill taught in Vedantu's math courses.
7. What is the difference between addends and the sum?
Addends are the numbers being added, whereas the sum is the result you get after adding them. For example:
- In $9 + 6 = 15$, $9$ and $6$ are addends,
- $15$ is the sum.
8. Can addends be negative numbers or decimals?
Yes, addends can be negative numbers, decimals, or even fractions. For instance, in $-5 + 2 = -3$, both $-5$ and $2$ are addends. In $1.2 + 3.7 = 4.9$, $1.2$ and $3.7$ are addends. Vedantu's curriculum covers the concept of addends across different types of numbers to strengthen students’ understanding as they advance in math.
9. Why is understanding addends important in mathematics?
Understanding addends is crucial because it forms the foundation for key mathematical skills such as
- addition,
- subtraction (as the reverse of addition),
- mental math,
- and problem-solving.
10. How does practicing with addends help improve math skills?
Regular practice with addends enhances a student’s ability to perform quick calculations, recognize number patterns, and solve addition problems efficiently. Interactive activities, worksheets, and live classes on Vedantu help students develop accuracy and confidence in using addends, which are essential for excelling in mathematics at all levels.









