Worked examples — numbers to 20

Worked examples — numbers to 20

Worked examples

Let's solve a few small puzzles together. Read slowly and try each one before peeking at the answer.

Example 1 — read the number

Look at this:

1 ten and 5 ones

How do we write this number? One ten is 10, and 5 ones are just 5. Together that is 15. We say "fifteen".

Example 2 — split into tens and ones

Take the number 18. How many tens and how many ones?

18 = 1 ten + 8 ones

So 18 has one ten and eight ones.

Example 3 — find on the number line

Where is 13 on the number line from 0 to 20?

A number line with 13 marked

It is right after 12 and just before 14. Three steps to the right of 10.

Example 4 — what comes next

What number comes right after 19? Easy — that is 20. And what comes right before 20? That is 19. Knowing the next number and the one before is super useful.

Example 5 — count by tens

Start at 10 and add one full bag.

10, 20.

If first grade wants more, add another bag and you reach 30. But for now, two bags — 20 — is enough!

Want more practice

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