Stage 1 · Number sense
Adding within 10
Count on 1, 2 or 3; past that, pairs to ten.
How to do it
Method
Count on 1, 2 or 3; past that, pairs to ten
5 + 4: 5 and 5 make 10; 4 is 1 less → 10 − 1 = 9
Another way
Counting on
3 + 6: from 6, count on 7, 8, 9
In full
To add 1, 2 or 3, count on from the bigger number: 3 + 6 → 7, 8, 9. To add more, use the pairs that make ten and split: 5 + 4 → 5 and 5 make ten, split that 5 into 4 and 1, so 5 + 4 is one less than 10: 9. Adding 0 changes nothing.
Worked examples
Have a go first, then open each one for the answer and the working.
Example 1
4 + 6
Show the answer and working
Answer: 4 + 6 = 10
6 and 4 make ten, 6 + 4 = 10
Example 2
2 + 7
Show the answer and working
Answer: 2 + 7 = 9
Count on 2 from the bigger number 7: 8, 9, 7 + 2 = 9
Example 3
3 + 5
Show the answer and working
Answer: 3 + 5 = 8
Count on 3 from the bigger number 5: 6, 7, 8, 5 + 3 = 8
Example 4
7 + 3
Show the answer and working
Answer: 7 + 3 = 10
Count on 3 from the bigger number 7: 8, 9, 10, 7 + 3 = 10
Practise adding within 10 in the game →Stage 1 · Number sense · Free to start, unlimited questions, no download