Place value is the value of a digit in a number based on its position within that number. Each digit's value depends on where it is located, such as ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, and so on. For example, in the number 543, the digit 5 is in the hundreds place, so its place value is 500; the digit 4 is in the tens place, so its place value is 40; and the digit 3 is in the ones place, so its place value is 3
. Place value differs from face value, which is simply the digit's own value regardless of its position. For instance, the face value of 2 in both 283 and 823 is 2, but its place value is 200 in 283 and 20 in 823
. Place value is fundamental to understanding and working with numbers, as it helps in comparing numbers, performing calculations, and reading numbers correctly. It is often taught using place value charts that show the position names from right to left, such as ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, and beyond
. In summary, place value is the positional value of a digit in a number, which determines its actual value in the context of the whole number.
