11+ Number & Place Value
Place value underpins the whole maths paper. Children need to read and write numbers up to millions, know what each digit is worth, round to a required accuracy, and order positive and negative numbers. These are quick questions, so accuracy matters more than cleverness.
A confident child can look at a digit and instantly state its value from its column — hundreds, thousands, ten-thousands and so on. Rounding then follows a simple rule based on the digit to the right.
What the 11+ tests in number & place value
- check_circleReading and writing numbers up to millions
- check_circleStating the value of a digit from its place
- check_circleRounding to the nearest 10, 100, 1000 or decimal place
- check_circleOrdering and comparing numbers, including negatives
- check_circleMultiplying and dividing by 10, 100 and 1000
- check_circleNegative numbers in context (temperature, number lines)
Worked example
What is the value of the digit 7 in the number 4,752,300?
- Write the column headings above the number: millions, hundred-thousands, ten-thousands, …
- The 7 sits in the hundred-thousands column.
- Its value is 7 × 100,000.
checkAnswer: 700,000 (seven hundred thousand)
Common mistakes to avoid
- errorGiving the digit (7) rather than its value (700,000).
- errorRounding the wrong way — looking at the wrong digit to decide up or down.
- errorSlipping a place value when multiplying or dividing by 10, 100 or 1000.
Top tips
- lightbulbLightly write column headings above a large number before answering.
- lightbulbTo round, look only at the digit immediately to the right: 5 or more rounds up.
- lightbulbOn a number line, remember −5 is smaller (further left) than −2.
Practise number & place value free
ElevenEdge gives your child adaptive number & place value questions at just the right level, with a worked solution on every one. No card needed to start.
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