Place value is the value of each digit in a number based on its position. Each place represents a power of ten, increasing from right to left.
Each move to the left makes a digit’s value ten times greater. Each move to the right makes it ten times smaller.
To find the value of a digit, locate its position in the number and multiply the digit by the place’s value (ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, etc.).
Label each place from right to left: ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, ten-thousands, and so on. This helps you see the pattern of multiplying by ten each time.
Each place value is ten times the value of the place to its right because our number system is based on powers of ten.
This ten-times relationship helps when comparing numbers and understanding how digits shift in value when multiplied or divided by 10, 100, or 1,000.
Place value helps you read, write, and understand large numbers correctly. Commas separate periods of three digits (ones, thousands, millions, etc.).
Reading numbers aloud using place value names builds understanding of their size and structure.
Understanding place value is essential for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and rounding whole numbers.
Place value keeps numbers organized and ensures that operations are performed correctly across all digits.