Whole numbers are composed of digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. The system is known as the decimal system. The word “deci” is taken from the word “decimus” (latin) for one 10th. Please know that there are other numbering systems (binary, hexadecimal, etc.), however this website will only discuss numbers in the decimal system.
Notice that the value of each digit is different depending on its position; every position has a place value. The table below provides the names of some of the places in our number system.
Example 1:
The number 94,567 has digits in the following places:
9 is in the ten thousands place
4 is in the thousands place
5 is in the hundreds place
6 is in the tens place
7 is in the ones place
When written, this number is read as:
Ninety-four thousand, five hundred sixty-seven
Example 2:
The number 3,408,600 has digits in the following places:
3 is in the millions place
4 is in the hundred thousands place
0 is in the ten thousands place
8 is in the thousands place
6 is in the hundreds place
0 is in the tens place
0 is in the ones place
When written, this number is read as:
Three million, four hundred eight thousand, six hundred
Please notice that we only mention the places where there are numbers other than zeros.
You will need to be familiar with the place value of digits as you move forward with all mathematical operations.
or
