X Tables
Topmarks Maths

Where is addition fluency hiding in Topmarks Hit the Button number bonds?

Practise pairs that make 10, 20 or 100 with quick-fire recall.

Quick answer

Addition fluency is hiding in Topmarks Hit the Button number bonds because it helps you quickly find pairs of numbers that add up to 10, 20, or 100. These games are perfect for building fast recall skills, so you can solve addition problems quickly and easily.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will know how to quickly find number bonds to 10, 20, and 100. You will be able to spot pairs of numbers that add up to these totals without counting on your fingers. Success signs:
  • You can say the pairs that make 10, 20, or 100 quickly
  • You can find missing numbers in number bonds
  • You can use number bonds to solve addition problems faster
  • You can play Topmarks Hit the Button and get lots of correct answers

Why this matters

Number bonds are the building blocks of addition. When you know them, you can add numbers quickly in your head. This helps you in school, when you are shopping, or even when you are playing games. In Topmarks Hit the Button, you’ll get lots of practice finding these pairs, which makes you better at maths overall.

How it works

Number bonds are pairs of numbers that add up to a specific total. For example:
  • 5 + 5 = 10
  • 3 + 7 = 10
  • 2 + 8 = 10
When you play Topmarks Hit the Button, you’ll see a number and need to find its number bond. For example, if you see the number 6, you need to find the number that makes 10 when added to 6. That number is 4. So, 6 + 4 = 10.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at number bonds to 10:
Number Number Bond to 10 Sum
0 10 0 + 10 = 10
1 9 1 + 9 = 10
2 8 2 + 8 = 10
3 7 3 + 7 = 10
4 6 4 + 6 = 10
5 5 5 + 5 = 10
Now, let’s try number bonds to 20:
Number Number Bond to 20 Sum
0 20 0 + 20 = 20
1 19 1 + 19 = 20
2 18 2 + 18 = 20
3 17 3 + 17 = 20
4 16 4 + 16 = 20
5 15 5 + 15 = 20
And now number bonds to 100:
Number Number Bond to 100 Sum
0 100 0 + 100 = 100
10 90 10 + 90 = 100
20 80 20 + 80 = 100
30 70 30 + 70 = 100
40 60 40 + 60 = 100
50 50 50 + 50 = 100

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a detective looking for number bonds! You are given a number and must find its pair to make 10, 20, or 100. Each time you find the right pair, you get a clue to solve a puzzle. Here’s your mission:
  1. First, you see the number 7. What number makes 10 when added to 7? Answer: 3
  2. Next, you see the number 12. What number makes 20 when added to 12? Answer: 8
  3. Then, you see the number 45. What number makes 100 when added to 45? Answer: 55
  4. Finally, you see the number 18. What number makes 20 when added to 18? Answer: 2

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 7 + 3 = 10, but confusing it with 7 + 4 = 11.
    Why it happens: You might mix up your number bonds or forget the pairs.
    Fix: Use your fingers or draw circles to help you see the pairs.
  • Mistake: Trying to count on your fingers when you know the answer.
    Why it happens: You might be too slow or not confident.
    Fix: Practice your number bonds every day so they become automatic.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that 0 + 10 = 10.
    Why it happens: You might not think about zero as a number that can be used.
    Fix: Remember that 0 is part of the number bonds too.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:
  • Playing Topmarks Hit the Button together
  • Practising number bonds with flashcards
  • Using everyday situations to talk about number bonds (like sharing 10 cookies)
  • Encouraging your child to say the pairs out loud
  • Not worrying if they make mistakes – it’s part of learning
Remember, practice makes progress. Try to make it fun and not stressful.

Practice questions

  1. What number makes 10 when added to 6? Answer: 4
  2. What number makes 20 when added to 15? Answer: 5
  3. What number makes 100 when added to 30? Answer: 70
  4. What number makes 10 when added to 9? Answer: 1
  5. What number makes 20 when added to 11? Answer: 9
  6. What number makes 100 when added to 60? Answer: 40
  7. What number makes 10 when added to 0? Answer: 10
  8. What number makes 20 when added to 0? Answer: 20
  9. What number makes 100 when added to 0? Answer: 100
  10. What number makes 10 when added to 5? Answer: 5

FAQ

What are number bonds?

Number bonds are pairs of numbers that add up to a specific total, like 10, 20, or 100.

Why are number bonds important?

Number bonds help you add numbers quickly and easily. They are the foundation of addition skills.

How can I practice number bonds?

You can practice by playing Topmarks Hit the Button, using flashcards, or playing games with a parent or friend.

Can I use number bonds for bigger numbers?

Yes! Once you know number bonds to 10, 20, and 100, you can use them to add larger numbers too.

How can I help my child at home?

You can play games, use everyday examples, and practice number bonds regularly to help your child learn faster.