Writing a Number Two Ways: 4 Tens and 6 Ones Equals 46

Look for this idea outside of your lessons. Checks are written with both words and numerals so nothing can be misread. Two ways to say one amount protects everyone. This is worth learning because translating between forms proves you understand rather than memorize.

Watch for it today, and when you spot it, tell someone what you noticed and how you knew. Ask yourself where else the same idea might be hiding, then go and look.

Let us look at this together. You can describe a number in words or in digits. Four tens and six ones is the long way. The number 46 is the short way. Both say the same thing.

Practice going in both directions. If someone says seven tens and two ones, you write 72. If someone writes 38, you say three tens and eight ones. Being able to translate quickly means you truly understand what the digits are saying.

Try going both directions quickly. Someone says a number, you say the tens and ones. Someone says tens and ones, you say the number. Ten rounds of that is worth more than a page of copying. Say it out loud once, and then try it with real objects.