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Use place value and number facts to decompose 4-digit numbers in different ways

I can partition and decompose 4-digit numbers in different ways.

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Year 4

Use place value and number facts to decompose 4-digit numbers in different ways

I can partition and decompose 4-digit numbers in different ways.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

Place value counters can represent 4-digit numbers
Each digit in a 4-digit number represents a different column value.
A part-whole model can represent 4-digit numbers partitioned in different ways.

Keywords

Partition - The act of splitting an object or value down into smaller parts

Common misconception

Zero is a tricky concept for some pupils when it comes to place value. For example, pupils might struggle to read and understand the number 2,087, or struggle to express in numbers a representation.

Blank place value grids are an excellent scaffold. Give pupils ample opportunities to explore using them both with concrete resources such as counters and with numerals, practising reading and writing the number.

The lesson explores the composition of 4-digit numbers using a variety of manipulatives. You have the choice, as part of the lesson design process, which to use and not use. Please bear in mind that Base 10 blocks are useful because they show the proportionality of the numbers. Counters do not.

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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).