Base-ten blocks explained

Quick answer

Base-ten blocks are physical or drawn blocks that help you understand how numbers are made up of ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands. You use them to see and build numbers, making it easier to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use base-ten blocks to show numbers and solve problems involving place value.

• You can identify how many ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands are in a number.
• You can build numbers using base-ten blocks.
• You can compare numbers using base-ten blocks.
• You can use base-ten blocks to solve simple addition and subtraction problems.

Why this matters

Base-ten blocks help you understand how numbers work. When you learn to use them, you can better understand bigger numbers, solve problems, and prepare for more advanced maths. You use base-ten blocks in school, but you can also use them at home to help with your maths homework or play fun number games.

How it works

Base-ten blocks are a way to show numbers using different sizes of blocks:

• One block = 1 unit
• Long block = 10 ten
• Flat block = 10 tens = 100 hundred
• Cube block = 10 hundreds = 100 tens = 1000 thousand

You can use these blocks to build numbers and see how many of each place value you have.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how to build the number 243 using base-ten blocks.

1. Use 2 flat blocks (each flat is 100, so 2 flats = 200)
2. Use 4 long blocks (each long is 10, so 4 longs = 40)
3. Use 3 one blocks (each one is 1, so 3>

When you put them together, you have 200 + 40 + 3 = 243.

Here’s another example: Building the number 1047.

1. Use 1 cube block (1000)
2. Use 0 flat blocks (0 hundreds)
3. Use 0 long blocks (0 tens)
4. Use 7 one blocks (7 ones)

So, 1047 = 1000 + 0 + 0 + 7 = 1047.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Treasure Hunt

You are going on a treasure hunt! You need to collect different amounts of coins using base-ten blocks. Here’s your mission:

1. Find 127 coins using your blocks. How many cubes, flats, longs, and ones do you need?
2. Find 305 coins. How many of each block do you need?
3. Find 1000 coins. What block do you use?

After you collect your coins, check your work by adding them up. If you get it right, you'll find a treasure map!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Mixing up the size of the blocks. For example, thinking a flat block is worth 1000 instead of 100.
• Why it happens: Not paying attention to the names and sizes of the blocks.
• Fix: Always remember that one block = 1, long = 10, flat = 100, cube = 1000.

• Mistake: Counting the blocks incorrectly when building a number.
• Why it happens: Getting confused about place value.
• Fix: Write the number in expanded form first, then match each part to the correct block.

• Mistake: Not using enough blocks for a number.
• Why it happens: Not understanding that a flat block is 100, not 10.
• Fix: Count by tens when you have long blocks, and by hundreds when you have flat blocks.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child learn with base-ten blocks in just a few minutes:

1. Ask your child to build a number like 342 with the blocks.
2. Check if they use 3 flats, 4 longs, and 2 ones.
3. Ask them to explain how many hundreds, tens, and ones they used.
4. Play a game: say a number and have them build it with blocks.
5. Use real-life examples: if you have 243 sweets, how many groups of 100, 10, and 1 are there?

Don’t worry if your child makes mistakes. Use them as learning opportunities. Remember, it’s okay to take your time and practice!

Practice questions

1. How many flat blocks do you need to make 300?
2. How many long blocks do you need to make 70?
3. Build the number 456 with blocks. How many of each block do you use?
4. What number does 2 cubes, 3 flats, 5 longs, and 1 one make?
5. How many ones are in 1000?

Answers:

1. 3 flat blocks
2. 7 long blocks
3. 4 flats, 5 longs, 6 ones
4. 2351
5. 1000 ones

FAQ

What are base-ten blocks used for?

Base-ten blocks help you understand place value. They make it easier to see how many ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands are in a number.

Can I use base-ten blocks for big numbers?

Yes! You can use base-ten blocks for numbers up to thousands. You just need more blocks.

Do I need to buy base-ten blocks?

No, you can draw them or use items like beans, paper clips, or cubes at home to represent the blocks.

How can I practice with base-ten blocks at home?

Try building numbers, comparing numbers, or solving simple addition problems with blocks. You can also make up games with your blocks.

Are base-ten blocks only for young children?

No! Base-ten blocks are helpful for children of all ages. They help with understanding numbers, place value, and even algebraic thinking.