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Look at this number square, which shows all the bonds you should know by heart up to 20.

 

number bond square

 

You can use this table to help to work out additions and subtractions right up to 100.

 

Example 1

Add  36 + 9 

 

Answer

Method 1:

Split 36 into 3 tens and 6 ones.

Add the ones together: 6 + 9 = 15   This is where the number square above would help you!

 

 

number bonds square

 

Now add 30 + 15 together. You could split 15 into 1 ten and 5 ones: 30 + 10 = 40   and then 40 + 5 = 45

And that's your answer: 36 + 9 = 45

 

Method 2:

Can you make the calculation easier by slightly changing it?

In this example, you are adding 9. How much easier would it be if you added 10?

Let's try: 36 + 10 = 46. Easy right?

But, we were supposed to add only 9! So, simply subtract 1 and you've got your answer: 46 - 1 = 45

  

Example 2

Do this subtraction:  15 - 9 

 

Answer

Method 1:

Look at the number square. When you subtract, the starting number is inside the square.

Find 15 in the square.

Follow the lines and columns to the numbers that add together to make 15, and you get 6 and 9.

So, 15 - 9 = 6

 

number bond square

 

Method 2:

Can you make the calculation easier by slightly changing it?

In this example, you are subtracting 9. How much easier would it be if you subtracted 10?

Let's try: 15 - 10 = 5  

But, we were supposed to subtract 9! So, simply add 1 and you've got your answer: 5 + 1 = 6

So, 15 - 9 = 6

 

Can you see that there is often more than one way of working out the answer to addition and subtraction problems? Just find the way that works best for each question.

 

boy thumbs up

 

Let's have a go at some questions now.

If you want to look at the 100 square while you're doing the questions, just click on the red help button on the screen.

10 questions