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Use ten-frames to explore make-ten addition. Split an addend, fill the first ten, and combine the remaining counters step by step.
Current mission
Look at 8 and 5. How many does 8 need to make ten?
Spaces needed to make ten
Take from the second addend
Look at 8 and 5. How many does 8 need to make ten?
Overview
Understand what the tool solves, how it works, and the boundaries of its data.
The make-ten strategy breaks an addend into two parts. Move the part needed to bring the first addend to 10, then add what remains. For example, in 8 + 5, take 2 from 5 to complete 8 to 10; the leftover 3 gives 10 + 3 = 13. A ten-frame is a visual model with ten spaces that helps learners see the completion and the remaining counters.
This interactive demonstration is limited to addition examples with a first addend from 6 through 9 and a second addend from 2 through 9, with the total no greater than 19. It shows the chosen equation and breaks the explanation into steps; it is a focused learning visual, not a general arithmetic calculator.
Guide
Follow the workflow and verify inputs and outputs with practical examples.
8 + 5 = 8 + 2 + 3 = 13, and connect the completed ten and leftover counters to the sum.Ask the learner to predict how many are needed to make ten before advancing. Then ask how many are left from the second number. This makes the visual a prompt for reasoning, while the displayed equation provides a way to check the decomposition.
Use cases
See how the tool fits into real work and everyday tasks.
Use a pair such as 7 + 6 to show that 3 completes the first ten and 3 remain. Pause before each step and ask students to describe the counters they expect to move.
A learner can adjust the two addends, observe the split, and say the equation aloud. Compare a few examples to notice that different pairs may need different amounts to reach ten.
Work through one problem together, then invite the learner to explain why moving part of the second addend leaves the total unchanged. Keep the discussion focused on the shown range.
For sums above 19, subtraction, or a different strategy, use another suitable lesson or number model. This page intentionally keeps attention on the make-ten addition method rather than trying to cover every operation.
Q&A
Find concise answers to common questions and confusing cases.
The split supplies exactly the number needed to bring the first addend to ten. The leftover part is then easier to combine with ten.
The frame provides ten spaces. Filling the open spaces shows the amount needed to complete a group of ten; counters not moved remain as the addend’s remainder.
No. This visual uses first addends 6–9 and second addends 2–9, with totals capped at 19. It is designed for this make-ten example range.
No. It displays one worked model. Ask the learner to explain the split and try a new supported pair to check their reasoning.
Notes
Review scope, result limitations, and important precautions before use.
The tool’s number controls limit which examples can be demonstrated. The equation and animation illustrate the make-ten decomposition for the selected pair; they do not assess a learner or replace instruction matched to a curriculum and grade level.
When teaching, encourage the learner to explain why taking counters from one addend and adding them alongside the other preserves the total. If a problem falls outside the displayed range, choose a representation suited to that problem.
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