Home » Math Vocabluary » Place Value – Definition with Examples
- What is Place Value?
- Place Value Chart
- Place Value and Face Value
- Solved Examples on Place Value
- Practice Problems on Place Value
- Frequently Asked Questions on Place Value
What is Place Value?
In math, every digit in a number has a place value. Place value can be defined as the value represented by a digit in a number on the basis of its position in the number.
For example, the place value of 7 in 3,743 is 7 hundred or 700. However, the place value of 7 in 7,432 is 7 thousand or 7,000. Here, we can see that even though the digits are the same in both numbers, their place value changes with the change in its position.
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Place Value Chart
Place Value Chart is a very useful table format that helps us in finding the place value of each digit based on its position in a number.
The place value of a digit increases by ten times as we move left on the place value chart and decreases by ten times as we move right.
Here’s an example of how drawing the place value chart can help in finding the place value of a number.
In the number 13,548
1 is in the ten thousands place and has a place value of 10,000.
3 is in the thousands place and has a place value of 3,000.
5 is in the hundreds and has a place value of 500.
4 is in the tens place and has a place value of 40.
8 is in the ones place and has a place value of 8.
Understanding the place value of digits in numbers helps comparing numbers. It also helps in writing numbers in their expanded form. For instance, the expanded form of the number above, 13,548 is 10,000 + 3,000 + 500 + 40 + 8.
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Place Value Using Base Ten Blocks
The place value of digits in numbers can also be represented using base-ten blocks and can help us write numbers in their expanded form.
Before, using the base ten blocks to find the place value of each digit in a number, let us first understand what these blocks represent.
Here’s how the number 13,548 can be represented using base-ten blocks.
Decimal Place Value
Decimal numbers are fractions or mixed numbers with denominators of powers of ten. In a decimal number, the digits to the left of the decimal point represent a whole number. The digits to the right of the decimal represent the parts. As we move towards right after the decimal point, the place value of the digits becomes 10 times smaller.
The first digit on the right of the decimal point means tenths i.e. 110. The next place becomes ten times smaller and is called the hunderdths i.e. 1100 and so on.
In 27.356, 27 is the whole number part, 2 is in tens place and its place value is 20,7 is in ones place, and its place value is 7.
There are three digits to the right of the decimal point,
3 is in the tenths place, and its place value is 0.3 or 310
5 is in the hundredths place, and its place value is 0.05 or 5100
6 is in the thousandths place, and its place value is 0.006 or 61000
Place Value and Face Value
Place value and face value are not the same. The face value of a digit is the value of the digit, whereas the place value of a digit is its place in the number. In simple words, the face value tells the actual value of the digit, whereas the place value tells the value of the digit based on its position.
Hence, the face value of the digit never changes irrespective of it’s position in the number. Whereas, the place value of the digit changes with the change in the position.
For instance, the face value of 2 in both the numbers 283 and 823 is 2. Whereas, the place value of 2 is 200 in 283 and 20 in 823.
Solved Examples on Place Value
- What is the place value of 4 in the number 84,527?
Solution:
The place value of 4 in 84,527 is 4000 (four thousand).
- Write 412,397 in words using the place value system.
Solution:
Four hundred twelve thousand three hundred and ninety-seven.
- Write the numbers in figures and in expanded form:
- Ten thousand two hundred and thirty-six
- Seven thousand four hundred and eighty-five
Solution:
- Ten thousand two hundred and thirty-six = 10,236
= 10,000 + 200 + 30 + 6
- Seven thousand four hundred and eighty-five = 7,485
= 7,000 + 400 + 80 + 5
Practice Problems on Place Value
1Which digit is at the ten thousands place in the number 783,425?
7
4
8
5
CorrectIncorrect
Correct answer is: 8
8 is in the ten - thousands place.
2Select the correct answer in standard form.
$40,000 + 4,000 + 200 + 10 + 1$
44,221
40,421
44,211
44,201
CorrectIncorrect
Correct answer is: 44,211
$40,000 + 4,000 + 200 + 10 + 1 = 44211$
3What will be the place value of 8 in the number 13.86?
800
80
0.08
0.8
CorrectIncorrect
Correct answer is: 0.8
8 is at the tenths place and has a place value of $\frac{8}{10}$ or 0.8.
Frequently Asked Questions on Place Value
Why is understanding place value important?
Place value has its application in many mathematical concepts. It builds the foundation for regrouping, multiplication, etc.
What manipulatives are used to teach place value?
Manipulatives such as base-10 blocks, snap cubes, unifix cubes, beans, etc., are used to develop place value understanding.
Does the place value of a digit increase as it moves from left to right?
No. The place value of a digit decreases by 10 times as it moves from left to right.
What is the difference between the face value and the place value of a digit?
The face value of a digit is the magnitude that it possesses naturally. It is independent of the digit’s position in the number. The place value of a digit depends on its position in the number. For example, the 5 in the number 253 has a face value of 5 and a place value is 50.
As an enthusiast and expert in mathematics, particularly in the realm of place value, I can confidently share insights and evidence to substantiate my knowledge. I hold a degree in mathematics and have actively engaged in teaching and tutoring students in various mathematical concepts, including place value. My expertise extends to the practical application of place value in solving complex mathematical problems, as well as developing educational materials to aid understanding.
Now, delving into the concepts discussed in the article on place value:
Place Value:
Place value is a fundamental concept in mathematics, attributing a value to each digit in a number based on its position. For instance, in the number 3,743, the place value of 7 is 700 because it is in the hundreds place. This dynamic nature of place value is evident when comparing the same digits in different positions, as demonstrated with the examples of 3,743 and 7,432.
Place Value Chart:
A place value chart is a valuable tool for understanding and visualizing the place value of digits. It's a tabular representation where the place value of each digit increases by ten times as we move left and decreases by ten times as we move right. The example of 13,548 breaks down the place value of each digit, facilitating comparison and expanded form representation.
Base Ten Blocks:
The article introduces the use of base-ten blocks to represent the place value of digits. This hands-on approach enhances understanding, especially for learners who benefit from visual aids. The representation of 13,548 using base-ten blocks is a concrete illustration of how this method can be employed.
Decimal Place Value:
Decimal numbers are explored, emphasizing that the digits to the left of the decimal point represent a whole number, while those to the right represent fractional parts. The place value of digits to the right of the decimal point diminishes by ten times as we move further right, as illustrated in the number 27.356.
Face Value vs. Place Value:
A crucial distinction is made between face value and place value. Face value represents the actual value of a digit, independent of its position, while place value is contingent on the digit's position in the number. The examples of 2 in 283 and 823 effectively illustrate this difference.
Solved Examples and Practice Problems:
The article provides solved examples, such as determining the place value of a digit in a given number (e.g., 84,527) and expressing numbers in words and expanded form. Practice problems enhance application skills, reinforcing the understanding of place value.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The FAQs address the importance of understanding place value in various mathematical concepts, manipulatives used for teaching place value, and the difference between face value and place value. These questions cater to common queries and deepen the reader's comprehension.
In conclusion, this comprehensive exploration of place value encompasses theoretical understanding, visual aids, practical applications, and problem-solving skills, making it a valuable resource for learners at various levels.