Expanded form is a way to write numbers by showing the value of each digit. It helps us understand how much each digit is worth in a number.
Think of expanded form as "stretching out" a number to see all its parts. The hundreds, tens, and ones are separated by plus signs.
To write a number in expanded form, identify the value of each digit based on its place (hundreds, tens, or ones).
Always check: does your expanded form add up to the original number?
When adding with one number expanded, we break apart one number into its place values while keeping the other number whole.
This method helps when one number is easier to break apart than the other.
When adding with both numbers expanded, we break apart both numbers into their place values before adding.
This method is helpful when both numbers have many digits or when regrouping is needed.
Expanded form addition is especially useful when numbers are large or when regrouping is needed in the calculation.
If you get stuck with standard addition, try expanded form to see the problem in a different way.