Tools that help you solve problems

Mathematics · Mathematical Thinking · ages 5-6

Name ______________________ Date ____________

Which tool shows 10 as one full frame?
- ruler
- ten frame
- single cube
- pencil
A ten frame holds 10. It shows 7 dots. How many empty spaces are there?
Answer: ______________
Which tool helps you count to solve an addition problem?
- counters
- a ruler
- a clock
Fingers can help you count for a math problem.
Circle one: True False
Solve 8 + 5 with cubes by making 10 first. 8 needs how many to reach 10?
- 5
- 8
- 2
- 3
Every math problem needs a ten frame to solve it.
Circle one: True False
Ten frame: 6 dots plus 4 more dots. What is the total?
Answer: ______________
You solve 9 - 4 with counters. What is the answer?
Answer: ______________
Zoe adds 9 and 6. Her fingers only reach 10. Which tool works better?
- fingers, because they are always best
- nothing, the problem is too hard
- cubes, because she can use more than ten
For 14 - 6, fingers alone are awkward but cubes handle it well. Is that right?
Circle one: True False

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

ten frame · A ten frame pictures ten as one full set.
3 · 10 take away 7 leaves 3 empty spaces.
counters · Counters can be moved and counted, so they help you add. A ruler measures length, and a clock tells time.
True · Fingers are a handy tool. You always have them with you.
2 · 8 plus 2 is 10.
False · Different problems fit different tools. Sometimes fingers or cubes work better.
10 · 6 plus 4 fills the frame to 10.
5 · 9 take away 4 leaves 5.
cubes, because she can use more than ten · Fingers stop at ten, but cubes can keep going. That makes cubes a better fit here.
True · Right. Cubes show 14 easily and 14 - 6 is 8.