The idea, step by step
Bundle ten ones
A group of ten ones can be kept together as one ten. Four tens are counted 10, 20, 30, 40.
Keep the ones that do not make another ten separate. Four tens and six ones make 46.
Digits have jobs
In 73, the 7 means seven tens and the 3 means three ones. Seven tens are 70, so 70 and 3 make 73.
In 50 there are five tens and no extra ones. The zero holds the ones place.
A common trap
Saying the 4 in 46 means four ones.
Instead: The 4 is in the tens place. It means four tens, or 40.
See the thinking
Read the model
What number do four tens and six ones show?
- Count the tens: 10, 20, 30, 40.
- Count on six ones: 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46.
- Four tens and six ones make 46.
Build a number
How can you show 73 using tens and ones?
- Split 73 into 70 and 3.
- 70 is seven groups of ten.
- Use seven tens and three ones.
Check your understanding
What number is 6 tens and 2 ones?
Show answer
62
Six tens make 60. Add two ones.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Write the number: 3 tens and 4 ones.
- How many tens and ones are in 57?
- Write the number: 8 tens and 0 ones.
- What does the 6 mean in 64?
- Draw tens and ones to show 28.
- Mia uses 4 tens and 3 ones for 34. Explain her mistake.
Read the worked solutions
- Write the number: 3 tens and 4 ones.
30 and 4 make 34.
34 - How many tens and ones are in 57?
57 is 50 and 7.
5 tens and 7 ones. - Write the number: 8 tens and 0 ones.
Eight tens are 80, with no extra ones.
80 - What does the 6 mean in 64?
The first digit is in the tens place.
6 tens, or 60. - Draw tens and ones to show 28.
Draw two bundles of ten and eight separate ones.
2 tens and 8 ones. - Mia uses 4 tens and 3 ones for 34. Explain her mistake.
The tens and ones have been swapped.
She has shown 43. For 34 she needs 3 tens and 4 ones.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum Mathematics
Year 1 counting, place value and partitioning.
Official curriculum source ↗