Number bonds to 5

Quick answer

Number bonds to 5 are all the ways you can split the number 5 into two parts. You can use your fingers, objects, or pictures to show these bonds.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will know all the number bonds to 5 and be able to show them using fingers, objects, or drawings.

• You can make 5 using two numbers.
• You can show 5 in different ways using objects or pictures.
• You can say the number bonds to 5 out loud.
• You can solve simple problems using number bonds to 5.

Why this matters

Learning number bonds to 5 helps you understand how numbers work. It makes it easier to add and subtract later. You use number bonds every day when you share snacks, count toys, or play games. Knowing these bonds helps you think faster and solve problems more easily.

How it works

Number bonds to 5 show all the ways you can split 5 into two groups. For example, 2 and 3 make 5. You can think of it like this:

• 2 + 3 = 5
• 3 + 2 = 5

Each pair of numbers that adds up to 5 is a number bond. You can use your fingers, objects like blocks or counters, or draw pictures to show these bonds.

Examples you can see

Let's look at all the number bonds to 5:

You can show these bonds with:

• Your fingers: Hold up 2 fingers on one hand and 3 on the other to show 2 + 3 = 5.
• Blocks or counters: Use 2 red blocks and 3 blue blocks to make 5.
• Drawings: Draw 2 apples and 3 bananas to make 5 fruits.

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a space explorer on a mission to collect 5 stars for your spaceship. You need to collect them in different ways. Here’s your mission:

1. First time: Collect 0 stars with your left hand and 5 stars with your right hand. What number bond is this?
2. Second time: Collect 1 star with your left hand and 4 stars with your right hand. What number bond is this?
3. Third time: Collect 2 stars with your left hand and 3 stars with your right hand. What number bond is this?
4. Fourth time: Collect 3 stars with your left hand and 2 stars with your right hand. What number bond is this?
5. Fifth time: Collect 4 stars with your left hand and 1 star with your right hand. What number bond is this?
6. Sixth time: Collect 5 stars with your left hand and 0 stars with your right hand. What number bond is this?

Can you write down all the number bonds you found?

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking 2 + 2 = 5.
  Why it happens: Confusing addition with counting.
  Fix: Use objects or fingers to check. 2 + 2 = 4, not 5.
• Mistake: Forgetting that 0 + 5 = 5.
  Why it happens: Not thinking about zero as a number.
  Fix: Remember that 0 means nothing, so 0 + 5 = 5.
• Mistake: Saying 3 + 3 = 5.
  Why it happens: Guessing instead of counting.
  Fix: Count out 3 objects and 3 more. You get 6, not 5.

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child learn number bonds to 5 is fun and easy. Try these ideas:

• Use your fingers to show the bonds. Count together: "1, 2, 3, 4, 5".
• Use toys or snacks to make the bonds. For example, 2 apples and 3 bananas make 5 fruits.
• Play a game: "I have 3 toys. How many more do I need to make 5?"
• Draw pictures of number bonds. For example, draw 2 butterflies and 3 flowers to make 5.
• Ask your child to say the bonds out loud. You can make it a race or chant.

Don’t worry if your child gets it wrong at first. Practice makes progress!

Practice questions

1. What number bond makes 5 when you have 1 and 4?
2. How many more do you need to make 5 if you have 2?
3. Write down all the number bonds to 5.
4. If you have 3 marbles and your friend gives you 2 more, how many do you have?
5. Draw a picture showing 2 + 3 = 5.

Answers:

1. 1 + 4 = 5
2. You need 3 more to make 5
3. 0 + 5 = 5, 1 + 4 = 5, 2 + 3 = 5, 3 + 2 = 5, 4 + 1 = 5, 5 + 0 = 5
4. 5 marbles
5. Draw 2 red circles and 3 blue circles

FAQ

What are number bonds?

Number bonds are pairs of numbers that add up to a specific total. For 5, the bonds are all pairs that make 5 when added together.

Why do we learn number bonds?

Learning number bonds helps you understand how numbers work. It makes addition and subtraction easier later on.

Can I use number bonds with bigger numbers?

Yes! Once you know bonds to 5, you can use the same idea for 10, 20, or even 100.

How can I practice number bonds?

You can use fingers, counters, drawings, or play games. Try counting with toys or asking friends to guess your number bonds.

Are number bonds only for young children?

No! Number bonds are helpful for everyone. They help adults add and subtract faster too.