Thousands Around Us — Class 4 Mathematics (CBSE)

From the current NCERT Maths Mela Grade 4 book, Chapter 4. After hundreds come thousands — big numbers we meet in prices, populations, and distances.

1. Why this chapter matters

Numbers do not stop at hundreds. Being able to read, write, and compare four-digit numbers — and to break them into thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones — is needed for money, measurement, and everyday counting.

2. Core ideas

Idea 1 — Ten hundreds make one thousand

10 hundreds = 1 thousand (1000). Four-digit numbers run from 1000 to 9999.

Method 2 — Place value of four digits

In 3456: 3 is thousands (3000), 4 is hundreds (400), 5 is tens (50), 6 is ones (6).

Skill 3 — Expanded form and comparing

3456 = 3000 + 400 + 50 + 6. To compare, check thousands first, then hundreds, tens, ones.

3. Worked examples

Example 1: How many hundreds make one thousand?

10 hundreds make one thousand.

Example 2: Write 2345 in expanded form.

2345 = 2000 + 300 + 40 + 5.

Example 3: Which is greater, 4087 or 4807?

Both have 4 thousands. Compare hundreds: 0 vs 8 → 4807 is greater.

4. Activity corner

Use number cards (or bundles) to build three four-digit numbers, such as 1250, 3004, and 4567. Write:

• Each number in figures and in expanded form
• The place and value of one chosen digit
• The maths idea (place value of thousands)

5. Common mistakes

• Mistake: Writing "two thousand three hundred forty-five" as 200030045. Fix: It is 2345 — line up thousands, hundreds, tens, ones.
• Mistake: Comparing by length when digit-counts are equal. Fix: For four-digit numbers, compare thousands first, then hundreds, tens, ones.
• Mistake: Dropping a zero (writing 3004 as 34). Fix: Zeros hold the hundreds and tens places; 3004 = 3 thousands, 0 hundreds, 0 tens, 4 ones.

6. How to write better answers

1. Write the number in figures (and words if asked).
2. Break it into thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones.
3. Show expanded form if asked.
4. To compare, line up the places.

7. Practice set

1. How many hundreds make one thousand?
2. Write 5678 in expanded form.
3. What is the value of 7 in 4709?
4. Which is greater: 6543 or 6534?
5. Write the number for 8 thousands, 0 hundreds, 5 tens, 2 ones.
6. Write the number name for 3070.

8. Answer key

1. 10 hundreds.
2. 5000 + 600 + 70 + 8.
3. The 7 is in the hundreds place, so its value is 700.
4. 6543 (tens: 4 > 3).
6. Three thousand seventy.

9. Quick revision

• 10 hundreds = 1 thousand; four-digit numbers run 1000–9999.
• Places: thousands, hundreds, tens, ones.
• Expanded form: 3456 = 3000 + 400 + 50 + 6.
• Compare thousands first, then hundreds, tens, ones.
• Zeros hold a place — do not drop them.