The Secret to Making Ten: A Simple Strategy

The 'Make Ten' Strategy ➕🔟

The 'Make Ten' strategy is a fundamental technique in early mathematics that simplifies addition by breaking down numbers to reach ten. It's especially helpful for adding numbers greater than five. Here’s how it works:

Understanding the Basics

• Goal: To add two numbers together by first making one of them equal to ten.
• Why Ten? Ten is a friendly number! It's easy to add to and subtract from.

Steps to 'Make Ten' 🪜

1. Identify: Identify the two numbers you want to add. For example, 8 + 6.
2. Break Down: Break down the smaller number into two parts. One part will help the larger number reach ten.
3. Make Ten: Add the first part to the larger number to make ten.
4. Add the Rest: Add the remaining part to ten.

Example: 8 + 6 🤔

1. Identify: 8 + 6
2. Break Down: We want to make 8 into 10. To do this, we need to break down 6. 6 can be broken down into 2 + 4 (because 8 + 2 = 10).
3. Make Ten: Add 2 to 8. 8 + 2 = 10.
4. Add the Rest: Now add the remaining 4 to 10. 10 + 4 = 14.

So, 8 + 6 = 14.

Another Example: 7 + 5 🧮

1. Identify: 7 + 5
2. Break Down: We want to make 7 into 10. To do this, we need to break down 5. 5 can be broken down into 3 + 2 (because 7 + 3 = 10).
3. Make Ten: Add 3 to 7. 7 + 3 = 10.
4. Add the Rest: Now add the remaining 2 to 10. 10 + 2 = 12.

So, 7 + 5 = 12.

Code Example (Python) 💻

def make_ten(num1, num2):
    """Adds two numbers using the 'Make Ten' strategy."""
    if num1 + num2 <= 10:
        return num1 + num2
    
    if num1 < num2:
        larger = num2
        smaller = num1
    else:
        larger = num1
        smaller = num2

    needed = 10 - larger
    remaining = smaller - needed
    return 10 + remaining

# Example Usage
result = make_ten(8, 6)
print(result)  # Output: 14

Benefits of the 'Make Ten' Strategy ✨

• Simplifies Addition: Breaks down larger addition problems into smaller, more manageable steps.
• Builds Number Sense: Helps students understand how numbers relate to each other.
• Mental Math: Enhances mental math skills.

Practice Makes Perfect 🎯

Encourage students to practice this strategy with various numbers. Use visual aids like counters or number lines to reinforce the concept.