Why are numbers in expanded form with base 10
Numbers are often written in expanded form with base 10 because the decimal system, which uses base 10, is the most widely used numeral system in the world. The base 10 system uses ten digits (0-9) to represent numbers and is used in everyday life, mathematics, and most cultures.
Expanded form with base 10 expresses a number as a sum of its place values, where each digit represents a power of 10. For example, in the number 573, the digit 5 represents 500 (5 x 10^2), the digit 7 represents 70 (7 x 10^1), and the digit 3 represents 3 (3 x 10^0). By breaking down numbers in this way, it becomes easier to understand their magnitude and value.
Furthermore, using expanded form with base 10 is crucial for performing mathematical operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It allows us to align digits and perform calculations accurately, ensuring the correct positioning of the numbers within the place value system.