MFP1501 Assignment 2 solutions 2026
UNISA
MFP1501 ASSESSMENT 2/2026 – FULL ANSWERS
, QUESTION 1: PLACE VALUE
1.1 Define place value and explain its role in understanding multi-digit
numbers.
Place value refers to the value of a digit based on its position within a number. For
example, in 285, the digit 8 does not simply mean 8 it means 80 because it is in the
tens position. Place value is essential for understanding multi-digit numbers because
it helps learners recognise that the same digit can represent different values
depending on where it appears in a number, forming the foundation for addition,
subtraction, and number sense.
1.2 List Two (2) ways to represent the number 36 using Base-10 principles.
1. Dienes/Base-10 blocks: 3 tens rods and 6 unit cubes
2. Expanded notation: 36 = 30 + 6 (i.e., 3 tens and 6 ones)
1.3 Determine the value of the digit 8 in the number 285.
The digit 8 is in the tens position, therefore its value is 80 (8 × 10 = 80).
1.4 Apply your knowledge of place value to outline a hands-on classroom
activity using Dienes blocks or bottle tops to help Grade 2 learners understand
place value.
Activity: "Build My Number" using bottle tops
• Materials: Bottle tops, egg cartons labelled "Hundreds," "Tens," "Ones,"
number cards
• Procedure:
1. Each learner draws a number card (e.g., 47)
2. They place 4 bottle tops in the "Tens" cup and 7 in the "Ones" cup
3. The teacher asks: "How many tens does 47 have? How many ones?"
4. Learners then swap digits (e.g., make 74) and compare — did the
value change?
• Purpose: This concrete manipulation helps learners physically see and feel
how position changes the value of a digit, reinforcing place value
understanding through tactile experience.
UNISA
MFP1501 ASSESSMENT 2/2026 – FULL ANSWERS
, QUESTION 1: PLACE VALUE
1.1 Define place value and explain its role in understanding multi-digit
numbers.
Place value refers to the value of a digit based on its position within a number. For
example, in 285, the digit 8 does not simply mean 8 it means 80 because it is in the
tens position. Place value is essential for understanding multi-digit numbers because
it helps learners recognise that the same digit can represent different values
depending on where it appears in a number, forming the foundation for addition,
subtraction, and number sense.
1.2 List Two (2) ways to represent the number 36 using Base-10 principles.
1. Dienes/Base-10 blocks: 3 tens rods and 6 unit cubes
2. Expanded notation: 36 = 30 + 6 (i.e., 3 tens and 6 ones)
1.3 Determine the value of the digit 8 in the number 285.
The digit 8 is in the tens position, therefore its value is 80 (8 × 10 = 80).
1.4 Apply your knowledge of place value to outline a hands-on classroom
activity using Dienes blocks or bottle tops to help Grade 2 learners understand
place value.
Activity: "Build My Number" using bottle tops
• Materials: Bottle tops, egg cartons labelled "Hundreds," "Tens," "Ones,"
number cards
• Procedure:
1. Each learner draws a number card (e.g., 47)
2. They place 4 bottle tops in the "Tens" cup and 7 in the "Ones" cup
3. The teacher asks: "How many tens does 47 have? How many ones?"
4. Learners then swap digits (e.g., make 74) and compare — did the
value change?
• Purpose: This concrete manipulation helps learners physically see and feel
how position changes the value of a digit, reinforcing place value
understanding through tactile experience.
