Activity – Understanding Place Value

Following the steps below to complete the activity.

Step 1: Make sure the base 10 box is checked to start the activity.

Step 2: To reset, pull the slider to the left end of the bar so that zero appears above it.

Step 3: Click on the slider if you are using a computer keyboard, for the number, 1, to appear.

Step 4: On your computer keyboard, press the forward arrow key repeatedly, to move the slider through the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. (If you are using a different device, hold the slider and drag it slowly until you reach 9).

What is the greatest number of red sliders that the spike can take?

When you add one more slider, it automatically moves to the second spike, why are there no more sliders on the first spike?

What number then does the first slider on the second spike represent?

On which spike will the next slider be placed?

When does the second spike become saturated?

Do you expected the same pattern to continue to the last spike on the left?

Which of the following explains the pattern observed in the spikes as you move from right to left?

When there are 9 sliders on the third spike, 3 sliders on the second spike, and 1 slider on the first spike, what number does that represent?

Considering where the sliders start filling up on the spikes, what conclusion can you make about place value of digits in a number?