Number Bonds

Number bonds are a fun way to learn about numbers. They show how two parts add up to a whole. For example, 3 and 2 make 5, so 3 and 2 are a number bond for 5. Number bonds help you see how addition and subtraction work together. They are a great tool for young math learners.

How Number Bonds Look

A number bond is usually drawn with circles. One big circle holds the whole number. Two smaller circles hold the parts. Lines connect the parts to the whole. For example, 7 in the top circle with 4 and 3 in the bottom circles is a number bond for 7.

Why They Are Helpful

Number bonds make adding and subtracting easier. If you know 6 and 4 make 10, then you also know 10 minus 4 is 6. This helps you remember math facts fast. Number bonds also show that numbers can be split in many ways. For 10, you can use 5 and 5, or 7 and 3, or 9 and 1.

Fun Facts

• Number bonds were made popular in Singapore math lessons.
• There are many number bonds that add up to 10.
• Number bonds can help with big numbers too, not just small ones.

Did You Know?

Knowing all the number bonds for 10 can help you add much bigger numbers in your head.