Understanding Place Values
Every digit in a number has a special place and value!
The position of a digit in a number determines its value. For example, in 345, the 3 is in the hundreds place (300),
the 4 is in the tens place (40), and the 5 is in the ones place (5).
Thousands
1,000
Hundreds
100
Tens
10
Ones
1
How to Convert Between Place Values
1️⃣ Understand the relationship: 10 ones = 1 ten, 10 tens = 1 hundred, etc.
2️⃣ Move digits: Moving left increases value (×10), moving right decreases (÷10)
3️⃣ Check your work: Make sure the total value stays the same!
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: Complete the conversion
Convert 5 hundreds to tens:
5 hundreds = tens
Example 2: Which is greater?
Compare these two amounts:
3 thousands + 4 hundreds OR 30 hundreds + 5 tens
Parent Tips 🌟
- Use real money - Play with dollar bills ($1, $10, $100) to physically show place value conversion.
- Make it a game - Challenge your child to "trade up" small values for larger ones (e.g., 10 dimes for 1 dollar).
- Connect to measurements - Show how 10 millimeters = 1 centimeter, 100 centimeters = 1 meter to reinforce the concept.