Number Bonds to 10
Number bonds to 10 are pairs of numbers that add up to 10. For example, 3 + 7 = 10, so 3 and 7 are a number bond to 10.
Knowing all the pairs that make 10 is one of the most important skills in Class 1 maths. It helps children add and subtract quickly.
What is Number Bonds to 10 - Class 1 Maths (Addition (Grade 1))?
A number bond to 10 is two numbers that add up to make 10. There are 11 pairs (including 0 + 10 and 10 + 0).
| Number | + Partner | = 10 |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 10 | 10 |
| 1 | 9 | 10 |
| 2 | 8 | 10 |
| 3 | 7 | 10 |
| 4 | 6 | 10 |
| 5 | 5 | 10 |
| 6 | 4 | 10 |
| 7 | 3 | 10 |
| 8 | 2 | 10 |
| 9 | 1 | 10 |
| 10 | 0 | 10 |
Solved Examples
Example 1: Example 1: Find the Partner
Question: 6 + ___ = 10. Find the missing number.
Think:
- 10 − 6 = 4
Answer: 6 + 4 = 10.
Example 2: Example 2: Check a Bond
Question: Is 3 + 7 a number bond to 10?
Think:
- 3 + 7 = 10 ✓
Answer: Yes, 3 + 7 is a number bond to 10.
Example 3: Example 3: Word Problem
Question: Ria has 4 mangoes. She needs 10 mangoes for a party. How many more does she need?
Think:
- 4 + ? = 10
- 10 − 4 = 6
Answer: Ria needs 6 more mangoes.
Example 4: Example 4: Double Bond
Question: Which number bond to 10 uses the same number twice?
Answer: 5 + 5 = 10.
Example 5: Example 5: Using a Number Line
Question: Start at 8 on a number line. How many jumps to reach 10?
0 — 1 — 2 — 3 — 4 — 5 — 6 — 7 — 8 → 9 → 10
Answer: 2 jumps (8 + 2 = 10).
Example 6: Example 6: Subtract to Find Bond
Question: Aman knows 10 − 3 = 7. What is the number bond?
Answer: The bond is 3 + 7 = 10.
Example 7: Example 7: Ten Frame Check
Question: A ten frame has 9 dots filled. How many empty spaces?
Think:
- 10 − 9 = 1
Answer: 1 empty space (9 + 1 = 10).
Key Points to Remember
- Number bonds to 10 are pairs that add up to 10.
- The pairs are: 0+10, 1+9, 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, 5+5, 6+4, 7+3, 8+2, 9+1, 10+0.
- Knowing these by heart helps with fast addition and subtraction.
- To find the partner: 10 minus the number.
- 5 + 5 is the only bond where both numbers are the same.
Practice Problems
- What is the partner of 7 to make 10?
- Fill in: ___ + 2 = 10.
- Priya has 5 pencils. She needs 10. How many more?
- Name all number bonds to 10.
- Use a ten frame: if 6 boxes are filled, how many are empty?
- Is 4 + 5 a number bond to 10? Why or why not?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are number bonds to 10?
Number bonds to 10 are pairs of numbers that add up to 10. For example, 3 and 7, 4 and 6, 5 and 5 are all number bonds to 10.
Q2. How many number bonds to 10 are there?
There are 11 pairs: 0+10, 1+9, 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, 5+5, 6+4, 7+3, 8+2, 9+1, and 10+0.
Q3. Why should I memorise number bonds to 10?
Knowing them by heart helps you add and subtract quickly. They are used in making ten to add bigger numbers and in mental maths.
Q4. How do I find the partner of a number?
Subtract the number from 10. For example, the partner of 6 is 10 − 6 = 4.
Q5. Is 5 + 5 a number bond to 10?
Yes. 5 + 5 = 10. It is the only number bond where both numbers are the same.
Q6. Can number bonds help with subtraction?
Yes. If you know 3 + 7 = 10, you also know 10 − 3 = 7 and 10 − 7 = 3.
