Two numbers that make ten together are called partners to ten.
Step 1: Let's Learn
Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.
The gaps tell you
Put 6 counters in a ten-frame. The empty spaces show you need 4 more.
6 and 4 make 10. There are 4 empty spaces.
Counters
Ten is special. Knowing partners to ten makes adding much easier later.
Why ten gets its own lesson
Our whole number system is built on ten. Knowing what each number needs to reach ten is the shortcut behind almost every later addition.
You are measuring the gap
The partner is the empty space in the ten frame. You are not counting beads — you are counting holes.
Step 2: Try It Yourself
Change the counters. Watch the empty spaces.
7 and 3 make 10. There are 3 empty spaces.
Step 3: Watch an Example
Watch the gaps do the work.
Watch Mia Find a Partner
Mia wants to know how many more 3 needs to make ten.
- Step 1
She puts 3 counters in the frame.
3 and 7 make 10. There are 7 empty spaces.
Counters
Step 4: Your Turn
Practice makes it stick.
Egg Box
Problem 1 of 1
An egg box holds 10. There are 6 eggs in it. How many more fit?
Partner Practice
Answer without counting if you can.
1 of 3
8 and what make 10?
2 of 3
5 and what make 10?
3 of 3
9 and what make 10?
Step 5: Quick Check
Show what you know.
Question 1 of 2
How many more would make ten?
Counters
Question 2 of 2
7 and what make 10?
What You Learned
- Partners to ten are two numbers that make ten.
- The empty spaces in a ten-frame are the answer.
- Knowing these by heart makes adding easier.