Misreading teen numbers

Quick answer

Teen numbers like thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, etc. can be tricky because they sound like they have the tens and ones in the wrong order. The correct way to read them is "ten and some more", so thirteen is "ten and three".

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to read and write teen numbers correctly by understanding that they are made of ten and some more ones.

• You can say the number name for any teen number from 10 to 19
• You can show teen numbers using objects or drawings
• You can explain why 13 is "ten and three", not "three and ten"
• You can spot and fix mistakes when teen numbers are misread

Why this matters

Understanding teen numbers helps you count, read, and write numbers correctly. It's important for school maths, reading clocks, telling time, and even for games and puzzles. When you know that thirteen means "ten and three", it makes other maths easier, like adding or subtracting teen numbers.

For example, if you have 13 apples and eat 3, you can think "13 is 10 and 3, so if I take away 3, I have 10 left." This makes subtraction much easier.

How it works

Teen numbers are special because they always start with "ten" and then tell you how many more ones there are. Here's how to think about it:

1. Every teen number has 10 in it, but we don't say "ten" first
2. Instead, we say "ten and [some more]"
3. So 13 is "ten and three", 15 is "ten and five", 18 is "ten and eight"
4. Try counting from 10 to 19 with your fingers and say "ten and [number]"

Examples you can see

Let's look at how teen numbers work with objects:

Here's a visual way to think about it:

13 apples

• 10 apples in a big group
• 3 apples in a small group
• So 13 = 10 and 3

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Number Hunt

You are on a treasure hunt in a magical forest. You need to find 10 golden coins and then collect some more coins to make teen numbers. Here's your quest:

1. Find 10 coins and put them in a bag
2. Then find 1 more coin = 11 coins total
3. Then find 2 more coins = 12 coins total
4. Then find 3 more coins = 13 coins total
5. Then find 4 more coins = 14 coins total
6. Then find 5 more coins = 15 coins total
7. Then find 6 more coins = 16 coins total
8. Then find 7 more coins = 17 coins total
9. Then find 8 more coins = 18 coins total
10. Then find 9 more coins = 19 coins total

As you collect each number of coins, say out loud: "I have ten and [number] coins." This will help you remember that teen numbers are always "ten and some more".

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking 13 means "three and ten" instead of "ten and three"
  Why it happens: The words "thirteen" and "thirty" sound similar, so children mix them up.
  Fix: Practice saying "ten and [number]" for each teen number. Use objects like counters or blocks to show 10 and some more.
• Mistake: Writing 13 as 31
  Why it happens: Children might copy the digits in the wrong order, especially when writing.
  Fix: Use a place-value chart with tens and ones columns. Write 13 as 1 in the tens column and 3 in the ones column.
• Mistake: Confusing "fourteen" with "forty"
  Why it happens: The endings "-teen" and "-ty" sound similar.
  Fix: Use the rule that teen numbers are always "ten and [number]" and "ty" numbers are "some tens and zero ones".

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child understand teen numbers is simple and fun:

1. Use objects like counters, blocks, or buttons to show 10 and some more
2. Practice saying "ten and [number]" together every day
3. Play games like "What number am I?" where you say "ten and five" and your child says "fifteen"
4. Point out teen numbers in everyday life: "We have 12 eggs in the fridge", "It's 15 o'clock"
5. Use a place-value chart to show that 13 is 1 ten and 3 ones
6. Don't worry if your child makes mistakes at first - this is normal learning
7. Keep it playful and short - 5-10 minutes of practice daily works best
8. Give lots of praise when your child gets it right
9. Use games and songs to help remember the names
10. Notice when your child uses the correct teen number names in conversation

Practice questions

1. What number is "ten and four"?
   Answer: 14
2. How do you say 17?
   Answer: Ten and seven
3. What number is "ten and nine"?
   Answer: 19
4. How do you say 12?
   Answer: Ten and two
5. What number is "ten and six"?
   Answer: 16
6. Which is correct: "thirteen" or "thirty" for 13?
   Answer: Thirteen
7. What number is "ten and one"?
   Answer: 11
8. How do you say 15?
   Answer: Ten and five
9. What number is "ten and eight"?
   Answer: 18
10. Which is correct: "fourteen" or "forty" for 14?
    Answer: Fourteen

FAQ

What is the difference between teen numbers and ty numbers?

Teen numbers (11-19) always have "ten" in them and are "ten and some more". Ty numbers (20, 30, 40, etc.) are multiples of ten with zero ones. For example, 15 is "ten and five", but 50 is "five tens and zero ones".

Why do teen numbers sound confusing?

Teen numbers sound like they're backwards because the words don't match how we count them. "Thirteen" sounds like "three-teen" but it means "ten-three". This is why practice with "ten and [number]" helps.

How can I help my child at home?

Use everyday objects like toys, food, or blocks to show 10 and some more. Practice saying "ten and [number]" together. Play games where you say a teen number and your child shows it with fingers or objects.

Are teen numbers the same in other languages?

No, different languages have different ways of saying numbers. In French, "dix-huit" means "ten-eight" which is easier to understand than English. But in English, we have to learn that "thirteen" means "ten-three".

What comes after teen numbers?

After teen numbers (10-19), we have the tens numbers (20, 30, 40, etc.), then the hundreds numbers (100, 200, 300, etc.). Each group has its own pattern, but teen numbers are special because they always start with ten.