The position of a digit in a number has a very important role.
It tells us the value of the digit in that particular number.
What is the highest number we can make with the following digits: 3 6 4 2
The digits will go in the following columns:
Th H T O
6 4 3 2
The highest digit goes in the thousands column down to the lowest in the ones column.
In this number, the 6 digit has a value of 6,000
In this number, the 4 digit has a value of 400
In this number, the 3 digit has a value of 30
In this number, the 2 digit has a value of 2
Let’s have a look at some questions involving the value of each digit in a number.
Xavier says that the 4 in the number 5,430 has a value of 40.
Is he correct?
Xavier has got this one wrong.
The 4 is in the 100s column.
Th H T O
5 4 3 0
Marley thinks that 0999 has the same value as 999.
Is he correct?
Marley is correct.
The 0 in 0999 has no value and isn’t working as a placeholder (there are no digits higher to the left of the 0).
Does that make sense?
