Place value tells us the value of each digit in a number based on its position. In third grade, we work with ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands.
Each place (ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, etc.) is ten times greater than the place to its right.
Word problems often use place value to compare numbers, find missing values, or understand how digits change when numbers increase or decrease.
When solving, look for clue words like “hundreds,” “tens,” “ones,” “greater,” “less,” or “value of the digit.” These hints tell you what the problem is asking.
Some word problems ask you to compare numbers to find which is greater or smaller using their place values.
Always compare digits from left to right, starting with the greatest place value.
Some problems ask you to make or take apart numbers using hundreds, tens, and ones. This is called composing and decomposing numbers.
Think of numbers like building blocks. You can put them together or take them apart to understand their value.
Sometimes word problems ask you to round numbers to the nearest ten or hundred to make estimating easier.
Use rounding when the exact answer is not needed or when the problem says to estimate.
Explaining your thinking helps show you understand how place value works in a word problem.
Use clear sentences when explaining your answer. Tell which digit changed, why it changed, and what that means for the whole number.