Ways to Make a Number
Addition — Understanding how different pairs of numbers add up to the same total.
What Does "Ways to Make a Number" Mean?
When we say "ways to make 7", we mean all the different addition sentences that equal 7.
For example:
4 + 3 = 7
5 + 2 = 7
6 + 1 = 7
0 + 7 = 7
Each pair of numbers that adds up to the target number is one "way".
Number Bond — Making 7
7
=
4
+
3
0 + 7
1 + 6
2 + 5
3 + 4
4 + 3
5 + 2
6 + 1
7 + 0
There are 8 ways to make 7 (including zero and order-swaps).
⚙️ How to Find All the Ways
- Pick a target number (e.g., 9).
- Start with 0 + target (0 + 9 = 9).
- Increase the first number by 1 and decrease the second number by 1: 1 + 8, 2 + 7, 3 + 6 …
- Keep going until you reach target + 0.
- You now have every way to make that number!
Practice — Ways to Make 9
Fill in the missing number in each pair so both numbers add up to the target.
| Pair | Equation | Result |
|---|
Tips & Tricks
- Use your fingers. Put up the target number of fingers, then split them into two groups.
- Think backwards. If you know 7 + 2 = 9, then 2 + 7 = 9 is also true. (Commutative property!)
- Draw dots. Draw the target number of dots, then circle two groups inside them.
- Use number bonds. The big number at the top splits into two smaller numbers below.