Tens and ones
A two-digit number has a tens place and a ones place. The place tells us the value of each digit.
Key idea
In 23: the 2 is in the tens place (value 20), the 3 is in the ones place (value 3). 20 + 3 = 23.
Reading a number
| Number | Tens | Ones |
| 16 | 1 | 6 |
| 45 | 4 | 5 |
Worked example
What number is 2 tens and 5 ones? 2 tens = 20, and 5 ones = 5. 20 + 5 = 25.
Remember
- The left digit is tens.
- The right digit is ones.