Visualizing Place Value Using Tens and Ones

Khan Academy

This educational video provides a clear, visual introduction to the concept of place value using the number 25. Through a step-by-step breakdown, the narrator explains the difference between the 'tens' place and the 'ones' place, demonstrating that the digit '2' in 25 actually represents the value of 20, while the '5' represents 5 single units. The video uses color-coding and digital manipulatives (visual blocks) to make abstract numerical concepts concrete. Orange blocks represent groups of ten, and green bars represent single ones, allowing students to visualize the quantity that each digit represents. The narrator guides viewers from the standard numeral form (25) to a word form (2 tens + 5 ones) and finally to expanded form (20 + 5). Ideally suited for early elementary classrooms, this resource helps teachers introduce or reinforce the foundational math skills of decomposing numbers and understanding base-10 systems. It serves as an excellent bridge between counting individual objects and understanding abstract numerical notation.