jesus_wilson
jesus_wilson 1d ago • 0 views

Making ten to add vs counting on strategy: which is better?

Hey there! 👋 Learning different ways to add can be super helpful. Two popular methods are 'making ten' and 'counting on'. Which one is better? 🤔 Let's explore them and see!
🧮 Mathematics

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Dr_Strange Dec 27, 2025

📚 Making Ten: A Closer Look

The 'making ten' strategy is all about breaking down numbers to create a ten, which is easier to work with. Think of it as building a friendly base for addition! For example, when adding $8 + 5$, you can break down the 5 into $2 + 3$. Then, add the 2 to the 8 to make 10. Finally, add the remaining 3 to the 10, giving you 13. It’s all about creating that easy-to-add ten!

  • 💡Concept: Decompose numbers to form a ten.
  • 🧮Example: $8 + 5 = 8 + (2 + 3) = (8 + 2) + 3 = 10 + 3 = 13$
  • Best Used When: One addend is close to 10 (6, 7, 8, or 9).

➕ Counting On: Understanding the Basics

Counting on is a more straightforward approach. You start with the larger number and simply count up the smaller number. For example, when adding $4 + 6$, you start with 6 and count up 4 more numbers: 7, 8, 9, 10. This method is simple to grasp and requires less number manipulation than making ten.

  • 🌱Concept: Start with one number and count upwards.
  • ✏️Example: $4 + 6$: Start at 6, then count 7, 8, 9, 10.
  • 🔢Best Used When: Adding small numbers or when the difference between the numbers is small.

📊 Making Ten vs. Counting On: A Detailed Comparison

Feature Making Ten Counting On
Definition Breaking down numbers to create a ten. Starting with one number and counting up.
Complexity Requires more steps and understanding of number decomposition. More direct and easier to understand initially.
Best Use Case When one number is close to 10. When adding small numbers or when the difference is small.
Efficiency Can be faster with practice for larger numbers near 10. Slower with larger numbers or bigger differences.
Mental Math Develops number sense and flexibility. Reinforces sequential counting skills.

💡 Key Takeaways

  • 🧠Number Sense: Making ten enhances number sense and decomposition skills.
  • ⏱️Efficiency: Counting on is quick for small numbers, while making ten can be more efficient for numbers close to 10.
  • Flexibility: Both strategies are valuable and can be used depending on the specific problem and personal preference.
  • 🎯Adaptability: Encourage students to try both and see which clicks best for them.
  • 🌟Mastery: Mastery of both strategies offers greater flexibility and problem-solving abilities.

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