One more and one less within 10

One more and one less

When you find one more, you add one.

For example, ‘one more’ than 2 is 3.

When you find one less, you take one away.

For example, ‘one less’ than 3 is 2.

Quiz: One more and one less within 10

Why not see how much you know about this topic already? Then complete the guide and see if you can beat your score.

Finding one more

Let’s find one more.

Lily has 4 toy cars. Amir gives her one more.

How many toy cars does Lily have now?

Lily now has 5 cars altogether.

You can write it like this:

4 + 1 = 5

So, one more than 4 is 5.

Lily has one more car than before.

Finding one less

Now let’s find one less.

Harry has 4 apples.

Harry eats 1 of the apples.

How many apples are left? Let’s count them.

Harry has 3 apples left.

So, one less than 4 is 3.

You can write it like this:

4 – 1 = 3

Harry has one fewer apple than before.

Counting with your fingers

What is one more than 2?

Let’s use our fingers to help us.

One more than 2 is 3.

What is one less than 2?

Try using your fingers again to help you.

One less than 2 is 1.

Example 1

Here is a ten frame with some flowers in. Can you count how many there are?

There are 6 flowers. Let’s add one more flower. How many flowers are there now?

There are 7 flowers now.

6 + 1 = 7

One more than 6 is 7.

You can also use a number line to show this.

On a number line you can see that 1 more than 6 is 7. One more means the number after on the number line.

Example 2

What is one less than 9?

Let's use a ten frame again.

You can take away one counter or cross it out.

9 – 1 = 8

One less than 9 is 8.

You can also use a number line to help you.

On a number line you can see that one less than 9 is 8. One less means the number before.

8 is before 9 on the number line.

Example 3

What is one more and one less than 6?

This time use your fingers to help. Hold up 6 fingers.

One more than 6 is 7.

6 + 1 = 7

Now let’s find one less than 6.

One less than 6 is 5.

6 – 1 = 5