Partitioning
Partitioning is a useful way of breaking numbers up into smaller parts, making them easier to work with.
It is helpful for when you want to add or subtract larger numbers.
There are many different ways to partition numbers.
For example, take the number 5, it can be partitioned in all these different ways:

Activity: Partitioning numbers
Complete this interactive activity to find out how to partition numbers. Then put your knowledge to the test.
What is partitioning?
Partitioning in maths means splitting a number up into smaller parts.
It helps you to understand what numbers are made up of and makes it easier to add and subtract.
There are multiple ways to partition a number.
You can use a part-whole model to partition a number. In this model, 276 has been partitioned in different ways:
1 of 4
Part-whole models are just one of the tools you can use to help you partition.
In this, 100 grid, 100 has been partitioned into 55 and 45.

Example 1

What number is missing from this part-whole model?
✓ The number 50 is missing from the part-whole model.
150 can be partitioned into the numbers 100 and 50.

Example 2

How has 100 been partitioned in this grid?
to count in tens when you can.
✓ 100 has been partitioned into 65 + 5 + 30.
Can you think of some more ways to partition 100?
Example 3

Use your partitioning skills to work out the answer to 75 + 53.
You may need a pen and paper, or you could try to work it out in your head.
✓ The answer is 128.
You can partition 75 into 70 and 5.
And you can partition 53 into 50 and 3.
70 + 50 = 120
5 + 3 = 8

Play our fun maths game Guardians: Defenders of Mathematica. gamePlay our fun maths game Guardians: Defenders of Mathematica
Use your times tables and more maths skills to defeat monsters and reclaim the Kingdom of Mathematica

More on Place value
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