Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Partitioning Two Digit Numbers: Free Printable Worksheet for Year 2
- ForYear 2
- StageKey Stage 1
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Partitioning Two Digit Numbers is a free printable maths worksheet for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7). Children split two digit numbers into tens and ones and write them as addition sentences. It takes about 15 minutes, needs only a pencil, and page 2 gives the grown up notes, help ideas, a stretch idea and the answers.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children work with tens and ones in three ways. They fill in the missing part of a sentence where a number is split into tens and ones. They say how many tens and how many ones a number has. They also turn tens and ones back into a whole number. Each question has space to write the answer, so children can see their thinking on the page.
- 34 = 30 + __
- 52 = __ + 2
- How many tens and ones in 68?
- 85 = 80 + __
- 29 = 20 + __
- How many tens and ones in 43?
- 90 + 7 = __
- What number is 5 tens and 6 ones?
A worked example
How many tens and ones in 71?
This number is different from the ones on the sheet. It shows two ways to think about a question like this.
Method 1: use bundles and sticks- Count out 71 lolly sticks.
- Put them into bundles of ten. Keep the sticks that are left over on their own.
- Count the bundles, then count the single sticks.
- Write 71 and look at each digit.
- The left digit tells you the tens. The right digit tells you the ones.
- Write the tens as a number: 7 tens is 70. Then add the ones.
Build the numbers with your hands
Bundles of ten
Use elastic bands to fasten lolly sticks or straws into bundles of ten. Keep some single sticks too. Ask your child to build a number, then say how many bundles and how many singles they used.
Base ten blocks
If you have them, use rods for tens and small cubes for ones. Build a number, then write the addition sentence that matches what is on the table.
Paper tens and ones
Cut paper into long strips to stand for tens and small squares to stand for ones. Stick them down in a row, then write the number underneath.
Why split numbers into tens and ones?
Partitioning means splitting a number into parts. With two digit numbers, the most useful split is into tens and ones. In 47, the 4 stands for 4 tens, which is 40, and the 7 stands for 7 ones. So 47 is the same as 40 + 7. The number does not change. It is just written in a different way.
This idea is called place value. The value of a digit depends on where it sits in the number. A 4 in the tens place is worth much more than a 4 in the ones place. Children who understand this find it easier to compare numbers, count in tens and add or subtract in their heads.
Skills and curriculum link
- Partitioning
- Place value
- Tens and ones
- Addition sentences
- Reading two digit numbers
Ideas that help with partitioning
- Tens are worth moreEach ten is a bundle of ten ones. So 6 tens is worth 60, not 6. Say the word tens each time so children hear the size of the number.
- The digits have jobsIn a two digit number, the left digit shows the tens and the right digit shows the ones. Pointing to each digit as you speak helps.
- Zero holds a placeA number like 60 has no ones. The zero shows that the ones place is empty. It is not a digit to ignore.
- Parts add back to the wholeIf you split a number into tens and ones and add the parts, you must get the number you started with. This is a good way to check.
Key words
- PartitionTo split a number into parts. Two digit numbers can be split into tens and ones.
- TensGroups of ten. 5 tens is the same as 50.
- OnesSingle units. In 47, there are 7 ones.
- DigitOne of the symbols 0 to 9 that we use to write numbers. 47 has two digits.
- Place valueThe value of a digit depends on its place in the number. The 4 in 47 means 4 tens.
- Addition sentenceA number sentence that uses a plus sign, such as 40 + 7 = 47.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the notes and answers.
- Look at the first question together. Ask your child to say what they think the question is asking before they write anything.
- Let them build numbers with lolly stick bundles or base ten blocks if they want to. Tens are bundles and ones are single sticks.
- Check against the answers on page 2. Ask, "How did you know?" Listening to the reasoning matters as much as the answer.
- Come back on another day and try again. Repeating a familiar sheet builds confidence. It should take about 15 minutes.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Build each number first. Make tens from bundles of sticks and ones from single sticks. Count the bundles, then the singles, and say them aloud. Then write down what the objects show. Try a few questions at a time and come back to the rest later.
To stretch confident children
Partition a number in more than one way. For example, 47 is 40 + 7, but it is also 30 + 17. Find a third way to split a number you choose. Then explain why every split gives the same total.
Make it a game
Roll two dice. Choose one for the tens and one for the ones, and make a two digit number. Say it, then partition it aloud into tens and ones. Your partner checks with sticks. The first player to win five rounds wins.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child writes 63 = 6 + 3 and forgets the tens are worth more.
Try thisBuild 63 with six bundles of ten and three single sticks. Count the bundles in tens: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60. Then write 60 + 3.
Watch forA child reads 27 as 7 tens and 2 ones.
Try thisPoint to the digit on the left and say, "This is the tens digit." Make the number with sticks to check which part holds the bundles.
Watch forA child writes 605 for 60 + 5 by joining the numbers together.
Try thisShow 60 with six bundles and place 5 single sticks beside them. Count on from 60: 61, 62, 63, 64, 65. Ask which number matches.
Talk about it
- How do you know which digit shows the tens?
- Can you show me this number with bundles and single sticks?
- What happens to the number if we swap the tens and the ones?
- Why does a number like 50 have no ones?
- Can you think of a different way to split this number?
- How can you check that your parts add back to the number you started with?
Take it off the page
Sticks and bands
Collect twigs, lolly sticks or straws. Bundle them in tens with elastic bands. Ask a grown up to call out a number, then build it and say how many tens and ones you used.
Number shop
Set up a pretend shop where everything costs a two digit number of pennies. Pay with tens and ones, using homemade paper coins. Say how many of each you used.
Digit cards
Make cards numbered 0 to 9. Pick two and make a number. Swap the order and make a different number. Say how many tens and ones each one has.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first question, then let them lead. Short bursts work best. Use sticks or blocks if they want something to hold. Praise careful thinking, and ask them to explain their answers aloud.
Teachers
Use it as a starter or plenary around place value, or as an early finisher or homework task. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 gives support and stretch ideas, so it suits mixed ability groups. It takes about 15 minutes.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider maths plan. It pairs well with practical work using bundles, blocks and everyday objects. Because it is free to print, you can use it again for brothers and sisters, or for revision a few weeks later.
Where this skill fits
Before this sheet, children count in ones and tens, read and write numbers to 100 and group objects into tens. Partitioning builds directly on those habits and gives them a clear written form.
After this sheet, children use tens and ones to add and subtract two digit numbers, compare and order numbers, and count in steps. Later, in Key Stage 2, the same idea extends to hundreds, tens and ones in bigger numbers. This sits within the number and place value strand of the National Curriculum for England.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Partitioning Two Digit Numbers for?
It is written for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7), in Key Stage 1. Some Year 1 children who are confident with numbers to 100 may enjoy it too, and older children can use it for revision.
- What will children practise?
Children practise splitting two digit numbers into tens and ones and writing them as addition sentences. They also say how many tens and ones a number has, which builds a secure sense of place value.
- How long does it take?
It takes about 15 minutes for one child. Work through it together the first time, then let your child try on their own. It is fine to do a few questions at a time and return to the rest later.
- What if it feels too hard?
Slow down and build the numbers first. Use bundles of lolly sticks for tens and single sticks for ones. Ask your child to count what they have made, then write down what the objects show. Page 2 has more help ideas.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers and sisters, or for revision later in the term.
- Does the sheet include answers?
Yes. Page 2 is for the grown up. It has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, a stretch idea and the answers. Keep it separate until your child has finished.
- Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. It only needs a pencil, so it is a screen free activity for quiet time, rainy days, homework or the school holidays.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.