Place value is a way to see how much each digit in a number is worth.
In a 3-digit number like 245, each digit has a place:
- 2 is in the hundreds place. It means 2 hundreds = 200.
- 4 is in the tens place. It means 4 tens = 40.
- 5 is in the ones place. It means 5 ones = 5.
So 245 can be read as 200 + 40 + 5.
Why is place value helpful?
It helps us read numbers quickly and compare them. A number with more in the hundreds place is usually bigger than one with the same tens and ones but fewer hundreds.
Hands-on activity
Use base-10 blocks or draw them:
- A red block or square to show a hundred (100).
- A long rod to show tens (10).
- A small cube to show ones (1).
For the number 345, you would place 3 hundred blocks, 4 tens rods, and 5 ones cubes.
Practice together
- Name the value of each digit in 518.
- Write the number in hundreds, tens, ones form: 5 hundreds, 1 ten, 8 ones.
- Compare 356 and 412. Which is bigger? (Think about hundreds first.)
Tip: If you find a number hard, draw it as groups of 100s, 10s, and 1s to see the value of each digit.