Each digit has a place
In 7,304,512, each digit has a different value because each one sits in a different place.
7,000,000
300,000
0
4,000
500
10
2
Start at the left. Each step to the right is worth ten times less.
Year 6
Read, write, order and compare numbers up to 10,000,000 and determine the value of each digit
Read large whole numbers accurately, compare them confidently, and explain the value of each digit.
Lesson overview
Number - number and place value
In Year 6 we work with numbers in the millions. The digit stays the same, but its value changes depending on its place. When we read, write, order and compare larger numbers, we look carefully from the greatest place value first.
Compare from the greatest place
To compare two large numbers, look at the left-most place where they are different.
| Place | First number | Second number |
|---|---|---|
| Millions | 7 | 7 |
| Hundred thousands | 3 | 2 |
| Decision | larger here | smaller here |
Both numbers have 7 millions, so the hundred-thousands digit decides which is greater.
Read and write in words
A large number can be read in groups.
in numerals
six million
forty thousand and nine
Read the million part first, then the thousands, then the final part.
Worked example
What is the value of the digit 8 in 4,863,210?
4,000,000
800,000
60,000
3,000
- Find the digit 8 in the number 4,863,210.
- Notice that 8 is in the hundred-thousands place.
- A digit in the hundred-thousands place is worth that many hundred thousands.
- So the value of 8 is 800,000.
Try it
Use place value, careful reading and comparison to answer each question.
Question 1
Which numeral matches six million, forty thousand and nine?
six million
forty thousand
nine
Question 2
What is the value of the digit 5 in 8,507,214?
8,000,000
?
7,000
200
Question 3
Which comparison is correct?
Question 4
Which number is greatest?
| Option A | Option B | Option C |
|---|---|---|
| 7,012,450 | 7,102,450 | 7,021,540 |
| 0 hundred thousands | 1 hundred thousand | 0 hundred thousands |
Question 5
Write three million, two hundred thousand and forty-five in numerals.
Common mistakes
Watch for these when working through the lesson.
- Reading digits one by one instead of grouping the number into millions, thousands and ones.
- Comparing numbers by the last digit instead of checking from the greatest place value.
- Naming the digit instead of giving its full value, such as saying 8 instead of 800,000.
Related topics
These ideas fit closely with this lesson.
- Round any whole number to a required degree of accuracy.
- Solve number and practical problems that involve place value.
- Use negative numbers in context and calculate intervals across zero.