- Definition
Expanded form is when you break down a number to show the value of each digit, like writing 432 as 400 + 30 + 2.
The number 5,281 written in expanded form is 5 × 1000 + 2 × 100 + 8 × 10 + 1.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Expanded form is like breaking down a price tag to see exactly how many hundreds, tens, and ones dollars you need.
Ask your child: In the number 528, what is the '5' really telling us?
Common mix-up: Kids may think expanded form is just listing the digits, like writing '4, 3, 2' for 432. The key is to show the value of each digit based on its place, like 400 + 30 + 2.
Examples
- 358 is written as 3 × 100 + 5 × 10 + 8.
- 907 is written as 9 × 100 + 7.
- 1,234 is written as 1 × 1000 + 2 × 100 + 3 × 10 + 4.
expanded form is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
