Lesson 1.1: Place Value & Expanded Notation | SEA Mathematics | My Carib Academy
SEA 2025-2028 Framework Aligned

Lesson 1.1: Place Value & Expanded Notation

Master place value and expanded notation up to one million. This lesson covers SEA Mathematics Objectives 1-9 from the Number Strand.

40 Minutes
Module 1: Number
Objectives 1-9
2 Videos
Lesson Progress 0%

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Represent any number up to one million using numerals or word names
  • State the value or place value of a digit in any whole number up to one million
  • Sequence number names and numerals
  • Compare whole numbers using > or < symbols
  • Order numbers in ascending or descending order
  • Identify missing numbers in an ordered sequence
  • Express whole numbers using expanded notation
  • Write numerals from expanded notation

SEA Tip

In the SEA Mathematics paper, the Number Strand has 19 items worth 34 marks—that’s 45% of your total Math score! (SEA Framework Page 18-19)

Watch: Place Value

Start by watching this video to understand the basics of place value. Take notes as you watch!

Place Value – Mathematics Video Lesson

Quick Check

Did you understand the video? Review the notes below before continuing!

What is Place Value?

Every digit (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) in a number has a Place and a Value.

  • Place = The position of the digit (Ones, Tens, Hundreds, etc.)
  • Value = What the digit is worth based on its place

The Place Value Chart (up to One Million)

Millions Hundred Thousands Ten Thousands Thousands Hundreds Tens Units
1 2 5 4 3 8 9

Example: 125,439

Digit Place Value
1 Hundred Thousands 100,000
2 Ten Thousands 20,000
5 Thousands 5,000
4 Hundreds 400
3 Tens 30
9 Units 9

Writing Numbers in Words

In the SEA exam, you may be asked to write a number in words.

Rules:

  1. Read the number in groups of three (use the commas!)
  2. Say the name of the group (Million, Thousand)
  3. Use “and” only between hundreds and tens if needed
  4. Hyphenate numbers 21-99 (e.g., twenty-five)
Numeral Word Name
45,200 Forty-five thousand two hundred
304,010 Three hundred and four thousand and ten
1,000,000 One million
78,654 Seventy-eight thousand six hundred and fifty-four

Common Mistake

Don’t write “and” between thousands and hundreds unless there are no tens/units.

Watch: Expanded Notation

Now watch this video to learn how to write numbers in expanded notation.

Expanded Notation – Mathematics Video Lesson

Expanded Notation

Expanded notation means breaking the number apart to show the value of each digit.

Example: 52,301

Method 1 (Addition)

50,000 + 2,000 + 300 + 0 + 1

Method 2 (Multiplication)

(5 × 10,000) + (2 × 1,000) + (3 × 100) + (0 × 10) + (1 × 1)

Comparing & Ordering Numbers

This is an Applying skill (Section II style question).

Rule: Start from the LEFT (biggest place)

When comparing two numbers, look at the digit in the highest place value first.

Example: Which is larger?

45,678 or 45,876

  1. Compare Ten Thousands: Both have 4 → Tie
  2. Compare Thousands: Both have 5 → Tie
  3. Compare Hundreds: 6 vs 8 → 8 is larger!
  4. Answer: 45,876 > 45,678

Quick Quiz

Test your understanding! Select an answer for each question.

5 Questions
10 Minutes
70% to Pass

1. What is the value of the digit 5 in 52,301?

2. Write in words: 304,010

3. Which is larger: 78,654 or 78,645?

4. What is 52,301 in expanded notation?

5. Find the missing number: 45,200; 45,300; ___; 45,500

0/5

Lesson Complete!

Great job finishing this lesson. You’re one step closer to acing your SEA exam!

Back to Courses

© 2025 My Carib Academy. All rights reserved.