10 is a very important number. Let’s find the partners that make 10. Counting past 10 helps you check.
| Partners of 10 | |
|---|---|
| 1 and 9 | 9 and 1 |
| 2 and 8 | 8 and 2 |
| 3 and 7 | 7 and 3 |
| 4 and 6 | 6 and 4 |
| 5 and 5 | 10 and 0 |
Key idea
Partners of 10: 1 and 9, 2 and 8, 3 and 7, 4 and 6, 5 and 5.
Why it works
A ten frame holds exactly 10. The empty squares show how many more you need to make 10.
Worked example: Make 10
6 and what number make 10?
- Picture 6 counters in a ten frame.
- 4 squares are empty.
- 6 and 4 make 10.
Answer: 4
For grown-ups: Use 10 fingers: hold some up, and ask how many are down. A few each day works well.