English teen names are confusing. "Fourteen" says the four first, but you write the 1 first.
Step 1: Let's Learn
Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.
Say what you see
Say "ten four" instead. It matches what the blocks look like.
Tens
1
Ones
4
1 ten and 4 ones is 14. Say it as "ten four".
Blocks
Both names are right. "Ten four" just tells you more.
The names are said backwards
Thirteen says the three first, then the ten. The numeral 13 writes the ten first. That mismatch is why teen numbers get written the wrong way round.
Saying "ten three" fixes it
Say it the ten way while you build it. Then the words and the digits are in the same order.
Step 2: Try It Yourself
Tap and try it out.
Tens
1
Ones
3
1 ten and 3 ones is 13. Say it as "ten three".
Step 3: Watch an Example
One step at a time.
Watch Mia Say It Both Ways
Mia sees one ten and 7 ones.
- Step 1
She says the ten way first: "ten seven".
Step 4: Your Turn
Practice makes it stick.
Saying It Out Loud
Problem 1 of 1
One ten and 6 ones. What number is that?
Ten Way to Number
Turn the ten way into a number.
1 of 2
Ten two is which number?
2 of 2
Ten eight is which number?
Step 5: Quick Check
Show what you know.
Question 1 of 2
Ten five is which number?
Question 2 of 2
How many tens are in 17?
What You Learned
- Teen names hide the ten.
- Saying "ten four" shows it clearly.
- Both names mean the same number.