Understand the idea.
Start with a useful part
To count on, keep one number and say only the extra counts. For , say ten, eleven. Starting with the larger part usually means fewer counts. Swapping the parts of an addition does not change the total.
Make ten, then add the rest
To make ten, split one part so that some of it fills the gap to ten. For , use two of the five with eight, then add the other three. Keep track of both pieces so none are missed.
See the method in action.
Count on a little
Find 3 + 11.
Worked solution
- 1
Start with the larger part.
Joining three and eleven gives the same total in either order.
- 2
Count on three from eleven.
These are three new counts; eleven is the starting point.
- 3
Record the total.
The three added ones take eleven to fourteen.
14
Make ten
Find 8 + 5.
Worked solution
- 1
Find what eight needs to reach ten.
Two fills the gap to ten.
- 2
Split five into two and the rest.
Using two of the five leaves three still to add.
- 3
Add those three to ten.
The two and three together account for all five, so eight plus five is thirteen.
13
Try it yourself.
Check your understanding
Use make ten for 9 + 4. What is the answer?
Show answer & reasoning
13
Split four into one and three. First , then , so .
Keep practising
6 worksheet questions
Read the questions online
- Count on to find .
- Find by counting on from the larger number.
- Make ten to find .
- Make ten to find .
- Ivy says because eight needs two to make ten. What did she forget?
- Find . Show the split you use to make ten.
Read the worked solutions
- Count on to find .
Start at twelve; count thirteen, fourteen.
14 - Find by counting on from the larger number.
Start at nine; count ten, eleven.
11 - Make ten to find .
Split five into three and two: .
12 - Make ten to find .
Six needs four; split eight into four and four: .
14 - Ivy says because eight needs two to make ten. What did she forget?
Four was split into two and two; both parts must be used.
She forgot the other two. The total is 12. - Find . Show the split you use to make ten.
; .
15; split six into one and five.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum Mathematics
Year 1 additive situations and number bonds within twenty.
Official curriculum source ↗