Math Expressions Grade 1, Unit 4: Place Value Concepts
In this unit, your child sees that two-digit numbers are made of tens and ones, so 57 is 5 tens and 7 ones. They count and write numbers to 120 and compare numbers with >, <, and =. After the unit on unknown numbers, this leads into word problems and adding with two-digit numbers.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 4?
- Counting forward from any number to 120 and writing the numbers, including teen numbers and numbers just past 100. Learn more: Counting, reading, and writing numbers to 120
- Understanding that the tens digit, the left digit, tells how many tens, and the ones digit tells how many ones. Learn more: Tens and ones in two-digit numbers
- Deciding which of two two-digit numbers is greater by comparing tens first, then ones, and writing the symbol. Learn more: Comparing two-digit numbers with >, =, and <
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Count by tens: 10, 20, 30, 40, __. What number comes next?
- 51
- 50
- 60
How you can help
- Make ten-sticks by drawing ten dots in a row on paper strips. Use them with loose dots to show numbers like 57, then swap roles.
- Read page numbers aloud at bedtime, like 57 or 72, and ask your child how many tens and how many ones each page number has.
- Spot two numbers on a walk, like 39 and 93 on mailboxes or signs, and ask which is greater and how they know.
Where kids can get stuck
- Deciding 29 is greater than 41, because the 9 in the ones place looks bigger.
- Writing 50 and 7 side by side as 507, instead of 57, when combining 5 tens and 7 ones.
- Saying 79, 70-10 when counting, instead of moving on to 80.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- tens
- Groups of ten. In 34, the 3 means 3 tens.
- ones
- Single units. In 34, the 4 means 4 ones.
- tens digit
- The digit on the left in a two-digit number, telling how many tens.
- ones digit
- The digit on the right in a two-digit number, telling how many ones.
- place value
- What a digit is worth because of where it sits, like the 5 in 52 meaning 50.
- greater than (>)
- A symbol that means the first number is bigger, as in 52 > 25.
- less than (<)
- A symbol that means the first number is smaller, as in 19 < 31.
- equal to (=)
- A symbol that means two amounts are exactly the same.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with tens and ones?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Math Expressions Grade 1 Unit 4 cover?
Math Expressions Grade 1 Unit 4 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.