Primary 3 maths · Whole numbers · About 10 minutes
Represent numbers to 10000 using place value
Count the complete groups first, then the leftover singles.
Start the interactive lesson →Practise: Ten-thousand tower
What you will learn
- Represent numbers to 10000 using place value
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.
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.
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.
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.
3042
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.
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.
3000 + 40 + 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.
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
What is the value in the ones column of 6908?
The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.
Count the complete groups first, then the leftover singles.
A digit counts units of its place value.
The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.
Locate the ones column.
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.
What is the value in the ones column of 6908?
8
The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.
The digit is 8.
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.
The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.
8 × 1 = 8.
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.
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.
Adding the place values rebuilds 6908.
We found 8. A digit counts units of its place value.
Common mistakes to discuss
- Counting the marks, not the groups. One ten-rod stands for ten ones. A picture of 2 rods and 6 singles shows 26, not 8 objects.
Check your understanding
- Represent numbers to 10000 using place value
- count a quantity by grouping it into tens and ones
- check the answer against the original quantities and units
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 →Related Primary 3 lessons
- Read and write numbers to 10000Read and write numbers to 10000 · About 10 minutes
- Compare, order and continue patterns to 10000Compare, order and continue patterns to 10000 · About 10 minutes