It's simple, really. Number bonds are pairs of numbers that are added to make another number. Because of this, they are often referred to as number pairs. They are perfect for helping children quickly solve addition and subtraction questions as well as helping them with their number facts. They show how numbers join together, and how they break down into component parts. When used in Year 1, number bonds forge the number sense needed for early primary students to move to addition and subtraction. As students progress, number bonds become an essential mental problem-solving strategy.