Grasp Maths

Year 2

Identify, represent and estimate numbers using different representations, including the number line

Show the same number in different ways and estimate where it belongs on a number line.

Lesson overview

Number - number and place value

A number can be shown with counted objects, tens rods and ones cubes, or a point on a number line. When we estimate, we make a sensible choice by looking at the numbers around it and deciding where it should go.

36 can be shown in more than one way

This number has 3 tens and 6 ones.

36 can be shown with base-ten blocks, written as a numeral, or placed between 30 and 40 on a number line.

Estimate between two known numbers

The marker is between 50 and 60 and sits close to 60.

A sensible estimate is 58 because it is only a little before 60 and well after 50.

24 can be counted and placed

There are 24 counters altogether.

You can count the counters, then match that quantity to 24 on a number line.

Worked example

What number is shown by the base-ten blocks and where would it go on the number line?

  1. Count the tens rods first. There are 4 tens, which means 40.
  2. Count the ones cubes next. There are 7 ones, which means 7.
  3. 40 and 7 make 47.
  4. On a number line from 40 to 50, 47 is after 46 and before 48.
  5. So the number is 47.

Try it

Look carefully at each representation before you answer.

Question 1
Question 2
Question 3
Question 4
Question 5

Common mistakes

Watch for these when you read or estimate a number.

  • Counting one by one when the tens rods already show full groups of ten.
  • Placing a number on the wrong side of a landmark such as 50 or 60.
  • Guessing wildly on a number line instead of using the numbers at each end.

Related topics

These ideas fit closely with representing and estimating numbers.

  • Recognise the place value of each digit in a two-digit number.
  • Compare and order numbers from 0 up to 100; use <, > and = signs.
  • Read and write numbers to at least 100 in numerals and in words.

Practice next

Keep practising this idea

Compare representations in the Notes, then try a number check.