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A.2 Write numbers in standard and expanded form

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What does it mean to write numbers in standard and expanded form?

Standard form is the usual way of writing numbers using digits. Expanded form shows the value of each digit based on its place value.

Examples:
  • Standard form: 4,205
  • Expanded form: 4,000 + 200 + 5
Note

Every digit in a number has a value that depends on its position, or place, in the number.

How to write a number in expanded form

To write a number in expanded form, break it apart by place value. Then, show each part as the digit multiplied by its place value.

Steps:
  • Write the number: 36,482
  • Identify each digit’s place value: 3 in the ten-thousands, 6 in the thousands, 4 in the hundreds, 8 in the tens, and 2 in the ones.
  • Write it as: 30,000 + 6,000 + 400 + 80 + 2
Note

Expanded form helps you see how each digit adds to the number’s total value.

Writing decimals in expanded form

Expanded form can also be used with decimals. Each digit to the right of the decimal point shows a part of a whole.

Example:
  • Number: 53.47
  • Expanded form: 50 + 3 + 0.4 + 0.07
Note

Remember, the first place to the right of the decimal is tenths, the next is hundredths, then thousandths.

Why standard and expanded forms are important

Understanding both forms helps you read, write, and compare numbers correctly. It shows how numbers are built from place values.

Example:
  • Standard form: 7,306
  • Expanded form: 7,000 + 300 + 6
  • We can easily see that the 7 stands for 7,000 and the 3 stands for 300.
Note

When you understand place value, you can solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division more easily.

Practice using both forms in sentences

Use both standard and expanded forms when explaining your thinking in math problems.

Examples:
  • “The number 9,204 is made up of 9,000 + 200 + 4.”
  • “The 9 is in the thousands place, so it means 9,000.”
  • “In 63.5, the 5 is in the tenths place, so it means 0.5.”
Note

When writing math explanations, be clear and use full sentences to describe each part of the number.