X Tables
Place Value

Arrow cards for place value

Use layered cards to build and decompose numbers.

Quick answer

Arrow cards are special cards that help you see how many tens and ones make up a number, making it easier to understand place value.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use arrow cards to build and break down numbers up to 99, showing the value of tens and ones. Success signs:
  • You can make a number like 34 using arrow cards
  • You can take apart a number like 57 to show 5 tens and 7 ones
  • You can compare two numbers using arrow cards
  • You can explain why the position of a digit changes its value

Why this matters

Understanding place value is like learning the secret code of numbers. It helps you:
  • Count and order numbers correctly
  • Add and subtract bigger numbers
  • Read and write numbers like 23, 45, or 78
  • Use maths in real life, like when you share 24 cookies or count your pocket money
Arrow cards help you see numbers in a new way. Instead of just seeing "34", you can see "3 tens and 4 ones". This makes it easier to understand how numbers work and how they can be broken apart and put together.

How it works

Arrow cards are like building blocks for numbers. Each card shows a part of a number:
  • One card shows how many tens are in a number
  • Another card shows how many ones are in a number
To build a number like 45:
  1. Take the tens card that shows 40
  2. Take the ones card that shows 5
  3. Put them together to make 45
To break apart a number like 67:
  1. Take the number 67 apart
  2. Separate it into 60 and 7
  3. Use the tens card for 60 and the ones card for 7

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you're building a tower with arrow cards. Example 1: Making 26
  • Take the tens card that says 20
  • Take the ones card that says 6
  • Put them together to make 26
Example 2: Breaking apart 73
  • Take the number 73
  • Separate it into 70 and 3
  • Use the tens card for 70 and the ones card for 3
Example 3: Comparing numbers
  • Make 42 with cards
  • Make 38 with cards
  • See that 42 has more tens than 38, so 42 is bigger
Real-world example: Shopping Imagine you're at the shop buying sweets. You have 56p. You can think of this as:
  • 5 tens (50p) and 6 ones (6p)
  • So 56p = 50p + 6p

Try it as a mini adventure

The Number Treasure Hunt You are on a treasure hunt! You need to find the secret numbers that are hidden in boxes. Each box has a number written on it, but you must build that number using arrow cards to open it.
  1. Box 1 shows the number 32
  2. Box 2 shows the number 65
  3. Box 3 shows the number 81
  4. Box 4 shows the number 47
  5. Box 5 shows the number 93
For each box, you must:
  1. Find the tens card for that number
  2. Find the ones card for that number
  3. Put them together to make the full number
Can you open all five boxes?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 56 is the same as 65
    • Why it happens: Mixing up the tens and ones
    • Fix: Always check if the first digit is the tens and the second is the ones
  • Mistake: Using the wrong arrow cards
    • Why it happens: Not looking carefully at the numbers
    • Fix: Match the digits in the number with the cards
  • Mistake: Thinking that 10 ones make 10
    • Why it happens: Confusing the value of ones with the number itself
    • Fix: Remember that 10 ten

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help by:
  • Using arrow cards at home to practice building numbers
  • Playing number games with your child using the cards
  • Encouraging your child to explain how they built a number
  • Practicing with everyday numbers like ages, prices, or house numbers
  • Noticing when your child gets confused and gently guiding them
What to say:
  • "Let's build the number 47 together"
  • "Which card shows the tens? Which shows the ones?"
  • "How many tens and ones are in 63?"
What not to worry about:
  • Your child might make mistakes - that's how they learn
  • It's okay if they need to count the cards to check their work
  • They don't need to memorize all the numbers at once

Practice questions

  1. Build the number 24 using arrow cards
  2. Break apart the number 58
  3. Which is bigger: 36 or 42? Explain using arrow cards
  4. Make the number 71 using arrow cards
  5. Break apart the number 95
Answers:
  1. Use the tens card 20 and the ones card 4
  2. Separate 58 into 50 and 8
  3. 42 is bigger because it has 4 tens and 36 has 3 tens
  4. Use the tens card 70 and the ones card 1
  5. Separate 95 into 90 and 5

FAQ

What are arrow cards?

Arrow cards are special cards that show how many tens and ones are in a number, helping you understand place value.

How do arrow cards help with addition?

Arrow cards help you see the tens and ones separately, making it easier to add numbers by combining tens and ones.

Can I use arrow cards for bigger numbers?

Yes, arrow cards can be used for numbers up to 99. For larger numbers, you might need hundreds cards too.

How can I make arrow cards at home?

You can make them by drawing cards with numbers on them. One card shows tens (like 30), and another shows ones (like 5).

Are arrow cards only for young children?

No, arrow cards are helpful for all ages when learning place value, especially when starting to understand bigger numbers.