CCSS.Math.Content.K.OA.A.4

MathKUnderstand addition as putting together and adding to, and understand subtraction as taking apart and taking from.

The standard

For any number from 1 to 9, find the number that makes 10 when added to the given number, e.g., by using objects or drawings, and record the answer with a drawing or equation.

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Operations and Algebraic Thinking

What this standard means

Students need to know the partners that make 10. If they see 6, they should figure out that 4 more makes 10. They can use counters, fingers, ten-frames, drawings, or equations to show the missing part.

Mastery looks like quick, accurate answers with a clear model, such as filling empty spaces on a ten-frame and writing 7 + 3 = 10. Students often get stuck counting the starting number again, mixing up the missing part with the total, or not connecting the objects to the equation.

Ways to teach it

  • Give each child a ten-frame and counters, call out 1 to 9, and have them fill the empty spaces to make 10.
  • Ask, “If I have 8 apples, how many more do I need to have 10?” and have students draw and explain their answer.
  • Show a ten-frame with 5 to 9 dots, ask students to write the missing number that makes 10 on a sticky note.
  • Use an egg carton cut to 10 cups and pretend eggs to show how many more eggs are needed to fill the carton.

Plan a lesson for CCSS.Math.Content.K.OA.A.4

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Related standards

  • CCSS.Math.Content.K.NBT.A.1

    Compose and decompose numbers from 11 to 19 into ten ones and some further ones, e.g., by using objects or drawings, and record each composition or decompositio...

  • CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.C.5

    Given a two-digit number, mentally find 10 more or 10 less than the number, without having to count; explain the reasoning used.

  • CCSS.Math.Content.K.OA.A.2

    Solve addition and subtraction word problems, and add and subtract within 10, e.g., by using objects or drawings to represent the problem.

  • CCSS.Math.Content.K.OA.A.3

    Decompose numbers less than or equal to 10 into pairs in more than one way, e.g., by using objects or drawings, and record each decomposition by a drawing or eq...

Standard text verified against corestandards.org on July 10, 2026.

Page updated July 10, 2026.

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