MyMathKidK-8 Curriculum

Grade 1 Mental Math: Make 10 Strategy

Learn to add numbers by making 10 first

What You'll Learn

Understand the make 10 strategy
Break apart numbers to make 10
Add faster using make 10

📖What is Make 10?

When we add numbers, we can make it easier by first making 10. Since 10 is a friendly number, adding to 10 is simple!

✏️Example: 8 + 5

8 needs 2 more to make 10. Take 2 from 5 (leaving 3). Now: 10 + 3 = 13!

💡Remember

Look for pairs that make 10: 9+1, 8+2, 7+3, 6+4, 5+5

Worked examples

Real problems from the practice worksheets, solved one step at a time.

Example 1
8 + 3 = ?
1. 8 needs 2 more to make 10.
2. Split 3 into 2 and 1.
3. 8 + 2 = 10.
4. 10 + 1 = 11.
Answer: 11
Example 2
3 + 8 = ?
1. 8 needs 2 more to make 10.
2. Split 3 into 2 and 1.
3. 8 + 2 = 10.
4. 10 + 1 = 11.
Answer: 11
Example 3
9 + 3 = ?
1. 9 needs 1 more to make 10.
2. Split 3 into 1 and 2.
3. 9 + 1 = 10.
4. 10 + 2 = 12.
Answer: 12

Practice Worksheets

Make 10 Strategy 1

Learn to add by making 10 first

Make 10 Strategy 2

More practice with the make 10 strategy

Make 10 Strategy 3

Additional make 10 practice

Make 10 Strategy 4

Keep practicing make 10

Make 10 Strategy 5

Master the make 10 strategy