Partitioning (3 Digits)
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Basics on the topic Partitioning (3 Digits)
In mathematics, the value of a digit is determined by its position in a number. This principle is called 'place value'. It distinguishes the importance of ones, tens and hundreds.
Expanded form is a method that breaks down numbers based on their place value. It provides a clearer understanding of the value of each digit in a number.
This technique is frequently used in number decomposition, understanding place value and basic maths operations. Therefore, learning about the 3-digit expanded form will help you understand the arithmetic processes better.
How to Break Down a 3-Digit Number? – Method
Every 3-digit number is composed of ones, tens and hundreds. To express a number in its expanded form, you will have to identify each digits’ place value.
For instance, let's take the number 237:
| Step # | What to do | In this example: |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Always start with the number furthest to the right. Identify its value. | The last digit, 7, represents the ones. It is worth 7 ones. |
| 2 | Now look at the second number from the right. Identify its value. | The middle digit, 3, stands for the tens place. This means it actually represents 30 (3 tens or 3 x 10). |
| 3 | Then look at the remaining number, which is furthest to the left. Identify its value. | The first digit, 2, is in the hundreds place. Therefore, it represents 200 (2 hundreds or 2 x 100). |
| 4 | Express the number in expanded form | Now, to express the number 237 in its expanded form: 237 = 200 + 30 + 7 |
As you can see, by identifying the place values and breaking down the number, we've expanded 237 to show the value of each individual digit. Have a look at the chart below for a depiction of the number 237 in expanded form:
| Hundreds | Tens | Ones |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 7 |
Common Mistakes in 3-Digit Expanded Form and How to Avoid Them
Attention to detail is crucial. Common errors include misplacing digits or overlooking the zeros in a number. If you spot a zero in the middle or end of the number, take extra care not to skip it!
Expanded Form for 3-Digit Numbers – Conclusion
The concept of 3-digit expanded form is not just a mathematical technique; it's a tool for clearer comprehension of place value.
Remember, when expressing three digit numbers in expanded form, we follow the same steps and never skip zeros:
Step one: always start with the number furthest to the right. Identify its value.
Step two: look at the second number from the right. Identify its value.
Step three: look at the remaining number, which is furthest to the left. Identify its value.
Step four: Express the number in expanded form
