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What is place value?

Place value helps us work out the value of a digit depending on its place or position in a number.

Place value can be expressed in terms of hundreds, tens and ones.

For example the number 333 can be represented like this:

A place value table showing 3 hundreds, 3 tens and 3 ones

This chart shows how the number can be partitioned into hundreds, tens and ones.

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Partitioning numbers

Partitioning numbers is useful for when you want to add or subtract larger numbers.

As well as place value charts, you can show a partitioned number in different ways. Look at how else 333 can be partitioned:

300 + 30 + 3 = 333

Each of these models represents 3 hundreds, 3 tens and 3 ones.

Base model
A base model representing 3 hundreds, 3 tens and 3 ones.
Place value model
Place value model showing 3 hundreds, 3 tens and three ones
Part-whole model
333 split into 300, 30 and 3 on a part-whole model.
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Example 1

Now let's partition the number 679.

To partition a number, you have to look at how many hundreds, tens and ones there are.

679 has 6 hundreds, 7 tens and 9 ones.

600 + 70 + 9 = 679

You could also say that 679 is made of 67 tens and 9 ones or 679 ones!

A part whole model showing 679 as the whole and 600, 70 and 9 as the parts.
A part whole model showing 679 as the whole and 67 tens and 9 ones as the parts.
A part whole model showing 679 as 679 ones.
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Example 2

Which picture does not represent 523?

Take a look at the pictures below. Can you see which one does not represent 523?

A
part whole model showing 523 as the whole and 500, 20 and 3 as the parts
B.
Place value counters showing 5 hundreds, 2 tens and 3 ones
C.
Base model showing 5 hundreds, 2 tens and 3 ones

Work out what each picture is representing, first.

A - The part-whole model shows 500 + 20 + 3. That equals 523!

B - There are 5 hundreds, 3 tens and 2 ones in the place value counters. That creates the number 532.

C - The Base 10 shows 5 hundreds, 2 tens and 3 ones. That's 523.

So B, the place value counters, do not represent 523. Did you get it right?

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Activity

Put your knowledge of place value and partitioning numbers to the test with this quiz.

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More on Place value

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