Math Core

Lesson 5.2 · Adding and Subtracting Tens

Adding tens

What is 30 + 40? It looks big, but it is as easy as 3 + 4. The trick is to think in tens.

Tens are like ones

30 is 3 tens. 40 is 4 tens.

3 tens + 4 tens = 7 tens.

7 tens is 70. So 30 + 40 = 70.

It works just like 3 + 4 = 7. You are adding tens instead of ones.

Add tens to tens

To add tens, add the number of tens. Then say it in tens.

50+2050 + 20: 5 tens + 2 tens = 7 tens = 70.

Adding tens to any number

You can add tens to a number like 23, too. Only the tens change.

23 is 2 tens and 3 ones. Add 30 (3 tens).

2 tens + 3 tens = 5 tens. The 3 ones stay the same.

So 23 + 30 = 53.

Worked example: 20 + 60

2 tens + 6 tens = 8 tens.

8 tens is 80. So 20 + 60 = 80.

Worked example: 41 + 20

41 has 4 tens and 1 one. 20 is 2 tens.

4 tens + 2 tens = 6 tens. The 1 one stays.

So 41 + 20 = 61.

Worked example: Count on by tens

Find 36 + 40.

Start at 36. Count on 4 tens: 46, 56, 66, 76.

So 36 + 40 = 76.

Common mistake

Add tens to tens. Don't add the tens to the ones! In 23 + 30, the 3 tens join the 2 tens. The answer is 53, not 26.

Practice

Practice 1

What is 20 + 30?

Type a number.

Practice 2

What is 40 + 50?

Type a number.

Practice 3

What is 70 + 30?

Type a number.

Practice 4

What is 25 + 20?

Type a number.

Practice 5

What is 18 + 60?

Type a number.

Practice 6

Which one equals 60?

Practice 7

Sam has 34 blocks. He gets 3 bags with 10 blocks in each bag. How many blocks does he have now?

Type a number.

Practice 8

Fill in the blank: 52 + ___ = 92.

Type a number.