Reveal Math Grade 4, Unit 1: Base Ten Concepts
In this unit, your child works with the base-ten system that all our numbers are built on. They see that each place is worth ten times the place to its right, and they read, write, and compare numbers up to a million in several forms. This number sense prepares them for adding and subtracting large numbers in the next unit.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 1?
- Explaining with place-value charts why the 6 in 6,000 is worth ten times the 6 in 600. Learn more: Why each place is worth ten times the next
- Reading and writing numbers up to a million in digits, words, and expanded form, and comparing them digit by digit from the left. Learn more about reading and writing numbers up to a million: Reading and writing numbers up to a million · Learn more about comparing numbers up to a million
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
Compare 40 thousands and 4 ten thousands. Which is true?
- 4 ten thousands is more
- They are equal
- 40 thousands is more
How you can help
- Stack cups or blocks in groups of ten, then ask how many groups of ten make a hundred and how many hundreds make a thousand.
- Write down a six-digit number from a news story or sign, and ask your child to read it aloud, name each period, and write it in expanded form.
- Play "build the biggest number" with playing cards: each of you draws five cards, arranges them, reads the number aloud, and compares with greater than or less than.
Where kids can get stuck
- Using "add a zero" when multiplying by 10, without being able to explain why 60 × 10 = 600.
- Writing "six thousand forty" as 640, leaving out the zero that holds the empty hundreds place.
- Comparing numbers with different numbers of digits by the first digit alone, as if 9,850 were greater than 12,400.
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
- base ten
- Our number system, where each place is worth ten times the place to its right.
- place value
- The value a digit has because of where it sits in a number.
- digit
- Any one of the ten symbols 0 through 9 that we use to write numbers.
- period
- A group of three places in a big number, set off by commas, such as the thousands.
- expanded form
- A number written as the sum of what each digit is worth, like 4,000 + 300 + 20 + 5.
- word form
- A number written in words, such as six thousand, forty.
- greater than
- Larger than another number, shown with the sign >, as in 12,400 > 9,850.
Want to help your child master place value?
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 Reveal Math Grade 4 Unit 1 cover?
Reveal Math Grade 4 Unit 1 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.