Topic 2 of 8
Hundreds, tens, and ones
Step 4 · Place value to 1,000 topics
A three-digit number is made of hundreds, tens and ones. Read what each digit is worth, write numbers in expanded form, and compare them.
Ten tens make a hundred
Ten ones make a ten. In the same way, ten tens make a hundred. A hundred is 100 ones, 10 tens, or 1 hundred.
The hundreds numbers have no extra tens or ones: 300 is 3 hundreds, 700 is 7 hundreds.
What each digit is worth
In a three-digit number, the left digit counts hundreds, the middle digit counts tens and the right digit counts ones. In 346 the 3 is worth 300, the 4 is worth 40 and the 6 is worth 6.
| Number | Hundreds | Tens | Ones | Expanded form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 346 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 300 + 40 + 6 |
| 508 | 5 | 0 | 8 | 500 + 8 |
| 270 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 200 + 70 |
Expanded form writes a number as the sum of what its digits are worth. A 0 means none of that place: 508 has no tens.
Number names follow the digits: 346 is three hundred forty-six; 508 is five hundred eight.
Comparing three-digit numbers
Compare the hundreds first. If they are the same, compare the tens. If those are the same too, compare the ones.
Example: Hundreds decide
Which is greater, 489 or 512?
- Hundreds: 4 and 5.
- 5 hundreds is more than 4 hundreds.
Answer512 > 489
Example: Same hundreds
Which is greater, 735 or 753?
- Hundreds: 7 and 7, the same.
- Tens: 3 and 5. 5 tens is more.
Answer753 > 735
Try it yourself
Work each one on paper first, then open the answer to check.
What is the 7 worth in 472?
Show answer
70.
Write 600 + 30 + 9 as one number.
Show answer
639.
Write 804 in expanded form.
Show answer
800 + 4.
How many tens are in 300?
Show answer
30 tens.
Fill in >, < or =: 462 _ 426
Show answer
>, because the hundreds match and 6 tens is more than 2 tens.
Write five hundred sixty as a number.
Show answer
560.