4th Grade · Number & Operations in Base Ten
4.NBT.A.1: Know that each place is worth 10 times the place to its right
4.NBT.A.1 is a 4th grade Common Core math standard in Number & Operations in Base Ten. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Recognize that in a multi-digit whole number, a digit in one place represents ten times what it represents in the place to its right. For example, recognize that 700 ÷ 70 = 10 by applying concepts of place value and division.
In plain words
Know that each place is worth 10 times the place to its right.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
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
Where students can get stuck
- Saying the 3 in 3,000 and the 3 in 300 are worth the same, without looking at their places.
- Seeing 500 as 450 more than 50 but not as ten times 50, because they think each place adds rather than multiplies.
- Using "multiply by 10, add a zero" as a trick, without being able to explain why 60 × 10 = 600.
Effective teaching strategies
- Line up ten base-ten rods side by side to make a hundreds flat, then stack ten flats to make a thousands cube, so students see each place is ten of the place to its right.
- Ask students to compare the 3 in 3,000 with the 3 in 300 and say how many times as much it is worth, not how much more.
- Have students explain why 60 × 10 = 600 by saying 6 tens become 6 hundreds, with every digit moving one place to the left, instead of just adding a zero.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 4.NBT.A.1 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
Everyday Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Reveal Math
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Why each place is worth ten times the next for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice place value at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice 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 for every family.
See how it works for teachers
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.