X Tables
manipulatives

Part-whole plates

Use plates or circles to split numbers into parts.

Quick answer

Part-whole plates are circles or plates that help children split numbers into parts to understand how numbers work. You can use them to show that 5 is the same as 2 and 3, or 1 and 4, or 0 and 5.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use part-whole plates to split numbers into parts and see how numbers can be made up of smaller numbers. Success signs:
  • You can split a number into two parts using part-whole plates
  • You can show that 6 is the same as 3 and 3, or 4 and 2, or 5 and 1
  • You can use part-whole plates to solve simple addition problems
  • You can explain how numbers can be broken down into smaller parts

Why this matters

Part-whole plates help children understand how numbers work. They show that numbers can be split into parts, which helps with addition and subtraction. For example, if you know that 6 is 4 and 2, it's easier to solve 6 + 3 by thinking of it as 4 + 2 + 3. This idea is useful in many real-life situations like sharing snacks, counting money, or solving puzzles.

How it works

Part-whole plates are circles that are split into two parts. You can use them to show how one number can be made up of two smaller numbers. Here’s how to use them:
  1. Start with one full circle or plate that represents a number.
  2. Split the plate into two parts using a line or a shape.
  3. Fill in the parts with numbers that add up to the full number.
  4. Try different ways to split the number into parts.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how to split the number 5 using part-whole plates: Splitting the number 5
Whole number Part 1 Part 2
5 0 5
5 1 4
5 2 3
5 3 2
5 4 1
5 5 0
You can draw this as a circle split into two parts. For example, if you have 5 apples and you want to share them between two friends, one friend could get 2 apples and the other could get 3 apples. That’s 5 = 2 + 3. Here’s another example with 6: Splitting the number 6
Whole number Part 1 Part 2
6 0 6
6 1 5
6 2 4
6 3 3
6 4 2
6 5 1
6 6 0
You can use part-whole plates to show that 6 = 3 + 3 or 6 = 4 + 2. This helps you understand how numbers can be broken down.

Try it as a mini adventure

Let’s go on a fun adventure to the magical garden of numbers! You are a number explorer and you find a treasure chest with 7 magical flowers. You want to share them with your two friends. How many flowers can each person get? Draw a part-whole plate for 7. Split it into two parts to show how you can share 7 flowers between two friends.
  1. First time: Draw a circle and split it into two parts.
  2. Second time: Fill in one part with 0 and the other with 7.
  3. Third time: Fill in one part with 1 and the other with 6.
  4. Fourth time: Fill in one part with 2 and the other with 5.
  5. Fifth time: Fill in one part with 3 and the other with 4.
  6. Sixth time: Fill in one part with 4 and the other with 3.
  7. Seventh time: Fill in one part with 5 and the other with 2.
  8. Eighth time: Fill in one part with 6 and the other with 1.
  9. Ninth time: Fill in one part with 7 and the other with 0.
Now you have explored all the ways to split 7 into two parts. You can share your flowers in many different ways!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 5 = 3 + 3.
    Why it happens: Confusing the parts of a number.
    Fix: Remember that 3 + 3 = 6, not 5. So 5 = 2 + 3.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to use the same number for the whole and parts.
    Why it happens: Not checking the math.
    Fix: Always add the two parts together to see if they equal the whole number.
  • Mistake: Drawing the parts as equal when they don’t have to be.
    Why it happens: Thinking shapes must be equal.
    Fix: The parts can be any size as long as they add up to the whole.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Using real objects like counters, blocks, or fruit to make part-whole plates.
  • Encouraging children to try different ways to split numbers.
  • Asking questions like, “Can you show me another way to split 6?”
  • Practising with numbers that are easy to understand, like 3, 4, 5, and 6.
  • Not worrying if a child makes a mistake – it’s part of learning!
Here’s a simple way to start:
  1. Get 5 counters or small toys.
  2. Split them into two groups.
  3. Ask your child to tell you how many are in each group.
  4. Then write the numbers down like 5 = 2 + 3.
  5. Repeat with different numbers.

Practice questions

  1. Split the number 4 into two parts. What are the different ways?
  2. Can you show that 8 = 5 + 3 using a part-whole plate?
  3. What two numbers add up to 7?
  4. Draw a part-whole plate for the number 6. Show at least 3 ways to split it.
  5. Use counters to show that 9 = 4 + 5. How many other ways can you find?
Answers:
  1. 4 = 0 + 4, 1 + 3, 2 + 2, 3 + 1, 4 + 0
  2. Yes, draw a circle split into 5 and 3.
  3. 1 + 6, 2 + 5, 3 + 4, 4 + 3, 5 + 2, 6 + 1
  4. Draw 6 = 0 + 6, 1 + 5, 2 + 4
  5. Other ways: 0 + 9, 1 + 8, 2 + 7, 3 + 6, 4 + 5, 5 + 4, 6 + 3, 7 + 2, 8 + 1, 9 + 0

FAQ

What are part-whole plates?

Part-whole plates are circles or shapes that are split into two parts. They help children understand how numbers can be made up of smaller numbers.

How do I use part-whole plates?

Draw a circle and split it into two parts. Fill in the parts with numbers that add up to the whole number. For example, if the whole is 5, one part could be 2 and the other could be 3.

Why are part-whole plates useful?

They help children understand how numbers work. This makes it easier to add and subtract later on. They also help with problem-solving and thinking about numbers in different ways.

Can I use part-whole plates for any number?

Yes! You can use them for any number. Try with 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and more. The more you practice, the better you get at seeing how numbers can be split.

How can I make part-whole plates at home?

You can draw circles on paper and split them into two parts. You can also use plates, cookies, or counters to show the parts. Use anything that helps you see how numbers can be split.