Skill: Write whole numbers in expanded form

To write a whole number in expanded form, break it apart by the value of each digit. The value depends on the digit’s place: millions, hundred-thousands, ten-thousands, thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones.

Example: Write $6,204,030$ in expanded form.

1. Identify the value of each nonzero digit:

   • $6$ is in the millions place: $6,000,000$
   • $2$ is in the hundred-thousands place: $200,000$
   • $4$ is in the thousands place: $4,000$
   • $3$ is in the tens place: $30$

2. The digits $0$ are in the ten-thousands, hundreds, and ones places. They contribute $0$, so they can be left out.

3. Add the place values:

$$6,204,030=6,000,000+200,000+4,000+30$$

The expanded form shows what each digit is worth, not just what the digit is.