Skill: Represent numbers with base-ten blocks

Base-ten blocks show the value of each digit in a whole number:

• A unit represents $1$.
• A rod represents $(10)$.
• A flat represents $(100)$.
• A cube represents $(1{,}000)$.

Each block to the left is worth $(10)$ times as much as the block to its right. For example, $(10)$ units can be traded for $1$ rod.

Example: Represent $(326)$

Look at each digit from left to right:

1. The $3$ is in the hundreds place, so use 3 flats:

$$3 \times 100 = 300$$

2. The $2$ is in the tens place, so use 2 rods:

$$2 \times 10 = 20$$

3. The $6$ is in the ones place, so use 6 units:

$$6 \times 1 = 6$$

So, $(326)$ is represented by 3 flats, 2 rods, and 6 units.

Check the value:

$$300+20+6=326$$

Therefore, the blocks show $(326)$.