what is a place value

In our decimal number system, the value of a digit depends on its place, or position, in the number. Each place has a value of 10 times the place to its right.

For example:

.1 has ONE place value.
.001 has THREE place values.

If you are asked to move the decimal 3 place values to the RIGHT, then .1 becomes 100. If you are asked to move the decimal 2 place values to the LEFT, then .1 becomes .001.