1 Use a place-value chart
Hundreds0Tens4Ones6
Put 4 in the tens column and 6 in the ones column. Four tens are worth 40.
4 tens and 6 ones = 46Year 2
Place Value • Primary Maths
Year 2 Place Value
The digits in 46 tell us how many tens and ones it has. You can split the number in more than one way without changing its value.
hundreds5tens7ones2572
Maths at a glance
See the Year 2 idea
Hundreds120 = 1H 2T 0O
Digit value7 tens = 70
Partition116 = 100 + 10 + 6
Round67 ≈ 70
Try it together
Three ways to show 46
How can you build the same number?
2 Write the expanded form
40 + 6 = 46
Write the value of each digit, then add the parts. The 4 stands for 40 because it is in the tens place.
46 = 40 + 63 Exchange a ten
4 tens + 6 ones
= 3 tens + 16 ones
= 3 tens + 16 ones
Swap one ten for ten ones. You now have 3 tens and 16 ones. Nothing has been added or taken away.
30 + 16 = 46Your turn
Have a go
Choose a method. Work it out on paper or with objects, then check below.
1. Write 62 as tens and ones.
Show answer 1
6 tens and 2 ones — 60 + 2 = 62.
2. Fill the gap: 46 = 2 tens + □ ones.
Show answer 2
26 — Two tens are 20; 20 + 26 = 46.
For teachers and parents
Ask, “Could we make 46 with only three tens?” Let your learner exchange a bundle of ten for ten loose counters.
A point to check
The digit 4 is worth 40 here, not 4. A digit’s position tells you its value.
Need an easier starting point?
Bundle ten objects, then add a few loose ones. Start with numbers between 11 and 19.
Year 2 refers to the learning sequence on iLearn Maths. Year and grade labels differ around the world, so choose by the skills and examples that suit your learner.
Choose your practice
- The value of each digit: interactive lesson 6 · worksheet 6
- Partitioning numbers: interactive lesson 8 · worksheet 8
- Tens and ones collections: interactive lesson 18 · worksheet 18
The examples and short practice above are free to use. Full lesson and worksheet access depends on your account or subscription.
From the Year 2 pathway
Learning focus
Lesson 5Hundreds, tens and ones in numbers to 120
Lesson 6Find the value of each digit to 120
Lesson 8Partition numbers to 120
Lesson 18Represent collections using tens and ones
Lesson 19Round numbers to the nearest 10
Key skills
What learners practise
hundreds, tens and ones in numbers to 120find the value of each digit to 120partition numbers to 120represent collections using tens and onesround numbers to the nearest 10
Ready to practise Year 2 place value?
Choose a lesson from the Year 2 learning pathway.