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      Add 2-digit numbers when crossing the tens boundary

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can add two-digit numbers when the sum crosses the tens boundary

      Key learning points

      1. When adding two-digit numbers that cross the tens boundary, both addends can be partitioned, then recombined.
      2. When adding two-digit numbers that cross the tens boundary, one addend can be partitioned. This is more efficient.
      3. A number line can be used to find a missing addend when the tens boundary is crossed.

      Keywords

      • Partition - To split a whole up into parts; a piece or section of a whole.

      Common misconception

      If children partition both addends when addition involves bridging 10, they may forget to add the extra 10 made when combining the ones.

      Encourage children to consider whether an addition will bridge 10 before solving and if so, partition only one addend to reduce the number of steps required, increasing efficiency.

      Teacher tip

      Encourage children to notice and articulate patterns as they work so they can begin to mentally manipulate numbers and work in the most efficient way. Ensure that a focus remains on the use of efficient strategies to avoid children defaulting to counting in ones.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which digit is missing in this equation?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 5

      Q2.
      Which of the following is the missing addend?

      An image in a quiz
      21
      30
      Correct answer: 31

      Q3.
      Use the first equation to help solve the second equation.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 44

      Q4.
      Which of the following could be the ones digits in the equation?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: 3 and 4
      Correct answer: 1 and 6
      3 and 3

      Q5.
      One of the Base 10 blocks has been moved over from one addend to the other. Which of the following could show the new equation? Tick two.

      An image in a quiz
      36 + 23 = 37 + 24
      Correct answer: 36 + 23 = 35 + 24
      Correct answer: 36 + 23 = 26 + 33

      Q6.
      Find the missing addend.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 39

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Partition both addends to solve the equation. 57 + 34 =

      Correct Answer: 91

      Q2.
      Which of the following is correct?

      45 + 36 = 71
      Correct answer: 68 + 28 = 96
      49 + 34 = 73

      Q3.
      Find the missing whole in the bar model.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 61

      Q4.
      Which equation is represented by this number line?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: 28 + 25 = ?
      20 + 2 + 3 = ?
      28 + 22 = ?

      Q5.
      Which of the following is the missing addend? 35 + = 71

      An image in a quiz
      65
      Correct answer: 36
      71

      Q6.
      Find the missing addend. 38 + = 63

      Correct Answer: 25

      To help you plan your 2 maths lesson on: Add 2-digit numbers when crossing the tens boundary, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...