Place value - Vocabulary

Understanding place value is a fundamental concept in mathematics, particularly for Year 3 students. A 'digit' refers to any of the ten symbols from 0 to 9 used to represent numbers. The 'place value' of a digit is determined by its position within a number, which affects its value. For instance, the digit 2 in the numbers 432, 24, and 2,004 each has a different place value. A 'numeral' is the symbol or name that stands for a number, such as 7, ten, or fifteen. In the number 452, there are three digits, representing hundreds, tens, and ones. The number 213, for example, can be broken down into 2 hundreds, 1 ten, and 3 ones, which equates to 200 + 10 + 3.

Concepts such as 'less/fewer' and 'more/greater' help students compare quantities, using symbols like '<' for less than, '=' for equal to, and '>' for greater than. For instance, 1 is less than 3, 2 is equal to 2, and 3 is greater than 1. 'Partitioning' is a strategy used to divide numbers into smaller parts, making calculations easier. For example, the number 525 can be partitioned into 500 (hundreds), 20 (tens), and 5 (ones). Tools such as 'ten frames' and 'part whole' diagrams assist students in visualising numbers and their components. 'Place value counters' and 'place value charts' are practical resources that help identify the hundreds, tens, and ones in a number. 'Base 10' equipment visually represents these values, further aiding comprehension. Mastering these concepts is assessed through a vocabulary assessment, ensuring students have a solid grasp of place value.