Understanding Hundreds, Tens, and Ones

When we look at a three-digit number, each digit has a special value based on its position. This is called place value. In a three-digit number, the places from left to right are the hundreds, the tens, and the ones.

The Place Value Chart

Let's look at the number $345$. We can break it down into its three parts:

• 3 is in the hundreds place. It means $3$ hundreds, or $300$.
• 4 is in the tens place. It means $4$ tens, or $40$.
• 5 is in the ones place. It means $5$ ones, or $5$.

So, the number $345$ is made up of $3$ hundreds, $4$ tens, and $5$ ones.

Writing Numbers in Expanded Form

When we write out the value of each digit and add them together, it is called expanded form. It helps us see exactly how much the number is worth.

For the number $345$, the expanded form is: $300 + 40 + 5$

Let's Practice

Here are a few examples to help you understand how to find the value of each digit:

Example 1: What is the value of $7$ in $473$? Look at the position of the $7$. It is in the middle, which is the tens place. $7$ tens equals $70$.

Example 2: Write $562$ in expanded form. Break down each digit:

• $5$ in the hundreds place = $500$
• $6$ in the tens place = $60$
• $2$ in the ones place = $2$ Expanded form: $500 + 60 + 2$

Example 3: What number is $6$ hundreds, $0$ tens, and $8$ ones? Put the digits in their correct places:

• Hundreds place: $6$
• Tens place: $0$ (Even though it is zero, we must include it as a placeholder!)
• Ones place: $8$ The number is $608$.