Place Value Practice: Converting Units and Tens to Make Number 3

Place Value Understanding with Single-Digit Numbers

How many units and/or tens are needed to make the number 3?

UnitsTens

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

How many units and/or tens are needed to make the number 3?

UnitsTens

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Determine the number of tens needed.
  • Step 2: Determine the number of units needed.
  • Step 3: Confirm the correct choice among given options.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Since the number we want to represent is 3, and 3 is less than 10, we do not need any tens to form the number.
Step 2: We need to represent the number 3 with units. Each unit represents a value of 1. Therefore, we require 3 units since 3=1+1+13 = 1 + 1 + 1.
Step 3: Among the answer choices, the correct choice is the one that indicates using only units to make up the number 3. This matches choice 4: "Three units".

Therefore, the solution to the problem is three units.

3

Final Answer

Three units

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Numbers less than 10 require only units, no tens
  • Technique: Count individual units: 3=1+1+13 = 1 + 1 + 1 = 3 units
  • Check: Verify 3 units equals target number: 3 units = 3 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding unnecessary tens place when number is less than 10
    Don't think you need tens for single-digit numbers = overcomplicated answer! Numbers 1-9 only need units because they're smaller than 10. Always check if the number is less than 10 before adding any tens.

Practice Quiz

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What number do the blue squares below represent?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

When do I need tens in place value?

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You only need tens when your number is 10 or greater. For numbers 1-9, you only need units! Think of it this way: 3 is just 3 ones, but 13 would be 1 ten and 3 ones.

What's the difference between units and ones?

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Units and ones mean the same thing! Both represent single items with a value of 1. Some teachers use 'units' and others use 'ones' - they're interchangeable terms.

How do I know if I have the right number of units?

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Simply count up your units to see if they equal your target number. For 3, count: 1 unit, 2 units, 3 units. Perfect match!

Can I use 30 units instead of 3 tens to make 30?

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Technically yes, but it's not practical! While 30 units equals 30, we group every 10 units into 1 ten to make counting easier. So 30 = 3 tens + 0 units is the standard way.

What if someone asks for units OR tens?

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Choose the simplest representation! For numbers 1-9, always use units only. For 10 or more, use the combination of tens and units that makes the most sense.

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