Primary 1 maths · Operations · About 8 minutes
Add or subtract ones and tens mentally without regrouping
Say whether you are adding ones, tens or hundreds.
Start the interactive lesson →Related practice: Fruit basket
What you will learn
- Add or subtract ones and tens mentally without regrouping
Models used: number sentences, stories, bar models.
Before you start
Change one place, keep the others
Start with 27. We want to add 10.
The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.
Start with 27. We want to add 10.
A digit tells us how many units there are. Its position tells us what size those units are; that is why a zero can matter.
The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.
Add one more ten. The other columns stay just as they were.
A digit tells us how many units there are. Its position tells us what size those units are; that is why a zero can matter.
The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.
No exchange was needed. Take that same group away to return to the starting number.
27 + 10 = 37
A digit tells us how many units there are. Its position tells us what size those units are; that is why a zero can matter.
What did the picture help us see?
No exchange was needed. Take that same group away to return to the starting number.
Worked example: A new example, together
What is 65 − 10?
Adding and taking away are a family. Think: 10 + what makes 65?
10 + ? = 65
10+55=6555+10=6565−10=5565−55=1010 + 55 = 65. So 65 − 10 = 55.
10 + 55 = 65
10+55=6555+10=6565−10=5565−55=10Use the picture and the steps we have just followed to finish this question.
10+55=6555+10=6565−10=5565−55=10What is 65 − 10?
55
So 65 − 10 = 55.
65 − 10 = 55
10+55=6555+10=6565−10=5565−55=10Adding back 10 should bring us to our starting 65.
Put back what we took away. Check: 55 + 10 = 65.
55 + 10 = 65
Common mistakes to discuss
- Changing the wrong column. Adding tens changes the tens digit only. 523 + 30 is 553; the hundreds and ones stay as they are.
Check your understanding
- Add or subtract ones and tens mentally without regrouping
- add or subtract the right-sized units
- check the answer against the original quantities and units
Explain your reasoning to an adult, then try a fresh question in the interactive lesson. A result from one attempt is not proof of lasting mastery.
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