Grade 1 → Place Value and Number Sense ↓
Reading and Writing Two-Digit Numbers
Learning to read and write two-digit numbers is an important skill in first grade math. It helps lay the groundwork for more advanced math concepts in the future. In this explanation, we'll learn place value, reading and writing two-digit numbers, and lots of examples to make it as easy as possible. We'll learn what tens and ones mean and why they're important. This explanation is designed to be clear and straightforward, using simple language and helpful examples. Let's get started!
What is local value?
Place value is the idea that the position of a digit in a number gives it a certain value. In other words, the place where a number is placed tells us how much it is worth. This is especially important when we start working with numbers that have more than one digit.
For example, 2
in the number 25
is not just a two; it is actually two tens. This means:
2 tens = 20
And 5
is in the ones place, which means it's just five:
5 units = 5
Understanding tens and ones
In two-digit numbers, there are always two main places to consider: the tens place and the ones place. Here's how they work:
Each digit in a two-digit number corresponds to one of the following places:
- Tens place: This shows how many groups of ten there are in the number.
- Units place: Shows how many units are remaining.
Understanding the value of each space
Let's take another example: 47
How do we read this number using place value?
We divide it as follows:
4 tens = 40 7 units = 7
So, 47
is just 40 + 7. That's the magic of local value! And, likewise for 85
:
8 tens = 80 5 units = 5
This means, 85
= 80 + 5, considering place values.
Reading two-digit numbers
Reading two-digit numbers involves understanding both the tens and ones and pronouncing them correctly. Let's look at an example.
The number 39
is read as 39. This is because:
3 tens = 30 9 units = 9
To read this we say thirty (for ten) and nine (for one).
Other examples in reading
Consider some more numbers:
Example 1: 51
5
tens = 50
1
one = 1
It is read as fifty one.
Example 2: 76
7
tens = 70
6
units = 6
This will be read as seventy six.
Example 3: 94
9
tens = 90
4
units = 4
It is read ninety four.
Writing two-digit numbers
When writing two-digit numbers, we need to understand what number we are representing as tens and ones. To do this, it can be very helpful to think about place value. Let's look at how numbers are written this way.
Example: writing 58
We hear fifty-eight and write it down like this:
5
tens = 50
8
units = 8
Put these together:
58
Practice writing numbers more
Let's try another try: let's say the number is sixty-two.
6 tens = 60 2 units = 2
When you add it all together, you get this number:
62
Let's practice some more. Let's say the number is eighty-nine:
8 tens = 80 9 units = 9
Put these together:
89
Using place value to solve problems
Understanding tens and ones helps us not only read and write numbers, but also solve simple math problems. Let's look at an example:
Adding two-digit numbers
Suppose we want to add 23
and 34
Using place value, we can solve it step by step:
Divide these into tens and ones:
23 = 2 tens + 3 units 34 = 3 tens + 4 units
Add the tens and ones separately:
Tens: 2 + 3 = 5 tens Units: 3 + 4 = 7 units
When we combine these:
23 + 34 = 57
More examples with visuals
Let's try some visual examples to deepen our understanding:
Example: What is 46 + 13?
First, divide them into tens and ones:
46 = 4 tens + 6 units 13 = 1 ten + 3 units
Then, add the tens:
Next, add these:
Add the results:
46 + 13 = 59
More practice problems and exercises
Practice problem 1
Read and write down the number for each:
Thirty-seven: ______ Sixty four: _______ Ninety-two: _______
Practice problem 2
Solve using local value:
Add 45 + 26 45 = 4 tens + 5 units 26 = 2 tens + 6 units Tens: _____ One: _____ Total: ______
Practice problem 3
Write down the number for each:
8 tens + 9 ones = ______
3 tens + 4 ones = ______
Conclusion
Reading and writing two-digit numbers may seem challenging at first glance, but once you understand place value, it becomes much easier. By knowing that the position of a digit tells us its value, we can quickly determine both the tens and units place in any two-digit number. This way, we can read the numbers out loud, write them down, and even use them in math problems with confidence. Practice the examples and exercises provided, and you'll become proficient in no time. Understanding place value will prepare you for even more exciting math adventures ahead.