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Cambridge / IGCSE • Place Value

Tens and Ones

In Grade 2, numbers get bigger! Place value helps us understand what each digit in a 2-digit number means.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand that 10 ones make 1 ten
  • Break numbers up into tens and ones
  • Write 2-digit numbers in expanded form

Lesson Explanation

Lesson Content

In the number 34, the digit 3 is in the tens place (worth 30) and the digit 4 is in the ones place (worth 4). So 34 = 3 tens + 4 ones (30 + 4).

💡 Key Takeaway

Take one step at a time, check your working carefully, and keep both sides balanced!

Worked Examples

Example 1

How many tens and ones are in 58?

  1. Step 1

    Look at the tens digit: 5 tens = 50

  2. Step 2

    Look at the ones digit: 8 ones = 8

  3. Step 3

    Answer: 58 has 5 tens and 8 ones.

Visual Method

Balance Every Step

Mathematics becomes much clearer when you can see the structure behind equations.

Watch Video Explanation

Practice Questions

Try solving each question on paper first. Tap below to check a helpful hint or solution!

Question 1

Write 47 in expanded form.

Show Hint / Solution 💡

Break 47 into tens + ones.

Question 2

What is 6 tens + 3 ones?

Show Hint / Solution 💡

Add 60 + 3.

Lesson Summary

What to Remember

The position of a digit tells us if it represents tens or ones.

Download Lesson Notes ↓