What is an addition fact family?

An addition fact family is a group of related math facts that use the same three numbers.  These fact families also include subtraction, which is the inverse or opposite operation of addition.  The fact family of 2, 3, and 5 would have four equations: 2 + 3 = 5, 3 + 2 = 5, 5 – 3 = 2, and 5 – 2 = 3.  Fact families can help students understand how addition and subtraction are related.  Students will build on their understanding of these families as they move on to learn their multiplication and division facts.