Make ten strategy

Quick answer

The make ten strategy is a helpful way to add numbers by breaking one number into parts so that one part makes ten with the other number. For example, 8 + 5 can be thought of as 8 + 2 + 3, which is 10 + 3 = 13.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use the make ten strategy to add two numbers where one number is close to 10, making it easier to find the total.

• You can split one number to make a ten with the other number
• You can add the ten and the remaining part to get your answer
• You can use this strategy to solve problems quickly and confidently
• You can explain how you used the make ten strategy to a friend

Why this matters

Learning the make ten strategy helps you solve addition problems faster and more easily. It’s especially useful when adding numbers like 8 + 5, 7 + 6, or 9 + 4. This strategy builds your number sense and helps you understand how numbers work together. It's also a great foundation for more complex maths later on, like adding larger numbers or working with money.

In games, sports, and daily life, you’ll often need to add numbers quickly. For example, if you have 8 apples and your friend gives you 5 more, you can use the make ten strategy to quickly figure out that you have 13 apples in total.

How it works

The make ten strategy works by:

1. Looking at the smaller number and seeing how much more is needed to make ten
2. Breaking the larger number into two parts: one that makes ten, and one that is left over
3. Adding ten to the remaining part

For example, with 7 + 6:

• 7 needs 3 more to make ten
• Split 6 into 3 and 3
• 7 + 3 = 10, then 10 + 3 = 13

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some examples using the make ten strategy:

Try this with your hands:

• Hold up 8 fingers on one hand and 5 on the other
• Move 2 fingers from the 5 hand to the 8 hand to make 10 fingers
• You now have 10 fingers and 3 fingers left over
• So 8 + 5 = 13

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Magic Number 10

You are a treasure hunter, and you find a map with a riddle:

"To find the treasure, you must add 7 + 6. But the map only shows a path to 10. What do you do?"

Your journey:

1. Start with 7 coins
2. Find 6 more coins
3. Notice that 7 needs 3 more to make 10
4. Split the 6 coins into 3 and 3
5. Put 3 coins with the 7 to make 10
6. Count the remaining 3 coins
7. 10 + 3 = 13 coins total

You found the treasure with 13 coins! The magic of the make ten strategy helped you solve the riddle.

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking 8 + 5 = 12 because 8 + 5 looks like 8 + 2 + 3, but forgetting that 8 + 2 = 10, and then adding the remaining 3.
• Why it happens: Children might rush or get confused about how to split the number.
• Fix: Count out the objects and physically split them. Use fingers or counters to help see the groups.

• Mistake: Splitting the wrong number to make ten.
• Why it happens: Confusion about which number to break apart.
• Fix: Always look at the smaller number and see how much more is needed to reach ten.

• Mistake: Forgetting to add the leftover part to the ten.
• Why it happens: Not keeping track of what’s left after making ten.
• Fix: Write down the steps or use a number line to keep track.

Parent and carer guide

Help your child practice the make ten strategy with these 5-10 minutes of fun:

• Use counters, blocks, or fingers to show how numbers can be split
• Ask: “How many more do we need to make 10?”
• Play a quick game: “I have 9, you have 4. How many more do we need to make 10?”
• Encourage drawing pictures to show the splitting
• Notice when they use the strategy naturally in daily life

Don’t worry if they don’t get it right away. Practice makes progress!

Practice questions

1. What is 8 + 3?
2. What is 9 + 5?
3. What is 7 + 6?
4. What is 8 + 7?
5. What is 9 + 3?

Answers:

1. 8 + 3 = 11 (split 3 into 2 and 1; 8 + 2 = 10; 10 + 1 = 11)
2. 9 + 5 = 14 (split 5 into 1 and 4; 9 + 1 = 10; 10 + 4 = 14)
3. 7 + 6 = 13 (split 6 into 3 and 3; 7 + 3 = 10; 10 + 3 = 13)
4. 8 + 7 = 15 (split 7 into 2 and 5; 8 + 2 = 10; 10 + 5 = 15)
5. 9 + 3 = 12 (split 3 into 1 and 2; 9 + 1 = 10; 10 + 2 = 12)

FAQ

What is the make ten strategy?

The make ten strategy is a way to add two numbers by splitting one number so that it makes ten with the other number, making it easier to find the total.

Why does the make ten strategy work?

It works because we know that 10 is a friendly number. Making ten helps us add more easily and quickly.

Can I use this strategy with bigger numbers?

Yes! Once you’re comfortable with the make ten strategy, you can use it with numbers like 28 + 5 or 37 + 6 by making tens with the smaller number.

Is this the same as counting on?

No, counting on means counting up from the first number. The make ten strategy uses breaking apart numbers to make a ten first.

How can I practice this at home?

You can use counters, fingers, or draw pictures to split numbers and make tens. Try solving problems like 6 + 8 or 9 + 7 using the strategy.