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Singapore Primary Maths

Primary 2 maths · Whole numbers · About 8 minutes

Read and write number names to 1000

Write a digit for each place. Use zero for an empty place.

Start the interactive lesson →Related practice: Hundreds workshop

What you will learn

Models used: number sentences, stories, diagrams.

Before you start

Every digit has a job

The counters are sorted into columns. Each column tells us the size of its units.

  1. The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.

    The counters are sorted into columns. Each column tells us the size of its units.

    A digit tells us how many units there are. Its position tells us what size those units are; that is why a zero can matter.

    100310012
  2. The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.

    Look at the left column. Its digit counts the biggest units in this number.

    A digit tells us how many units there are. Its position tells us what size those units are; that is why a zero can matter.

    100310012
  3. The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.

    Now read the value of every column. A zero keeps an empty place ready.

    302

    A digit tells us how many units there are. Its position tells us what size those units are; that is why a zero can matter.

    10033001000122
  4. The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.

    Put the values together. These are different ways to describe the very same number.

    300 + 2

    A digit tells us how many units there are. Its position tells us what size those units are; that is why a zero can matter.

    10033001000122
What did the picture help us see?

Put the values together. These are different ways to describe the very same number.

Worked example: A new example, together

Write “eight hundred and fifty” in numerals.

100810510
  1. The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.

    Write a digit for each place. Use zero for an empty place.

    Number words and numerals describe the same groups of place-value units.

    100810510
  2. The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.

    Read the largest place-value group first, then each smaller group.

    A digit tells us how many units there are. Its position tells us what size those units are; that is why a zero can matter.

    100810510
    Write “eight hundred and fifty” in numerals.

    850

  3. The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.

    Empty columns still need zeroes in the numeral.

    A digit tells us how many units there are. Its position tells us what size those units are; that is why a zero can matter.

    100810510
  4. The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.

    850 is eight hundred and fifty.

    A digit tells us how many units there are. Its position tells us what size those units are; that is why a zero can matter.

    100810510
  5. The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.

    Check the result against the question we started with.

    Read the result back: eight hundred and fifty = 850.

    We found 850. Number words and numerals describe the same groups of place-value units.

    100810510

Common mistakes to discuss

Check your understanding

Explain your reasoning to an adult, then try a fresh question in the interactive lesson. A result from one attempt is not proof of lasting mastery.

Try this lesson →

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