lesson
A thousand is ten hundreds
1 · Learn
In 4,305, the digits represent 4,000, 300, no tens and 5 ones. A zero keeps the tens place even though there are no tens to count there.
Compare numbers from the largest place first. For 4,305 and 4,350, thousands and hundreds match, so compare the tens next.
2 · Worked example
I write six thousand and forty-two as 6,042. The zero shows there are no hundreds.
3 · Your turn
Write 7,208 in expanded form. Order 7,280, 7,208 and 7,028.
Check your answer
7,000 + 200 + 8. In increasing order: 7,028, 7,208, 7,280.
4 · Apply your learning
Build four-digit numbers with place-value cards. Move one digit and explain how its value changes.
Adult guidance and safety
Use practical or drawn representations and explain the method. Check units and labels. A correct answer to one example is not evidence of secure fluency; revisit with varied numbers and feedback.
Practice this lesson
Lesson resources
Browse the available practice activities and worksheets for this lesson.