Kohtväärtus

Kohtväärtus, meaning "place value" in Estonian, is a fundamental concept in mathematics, particularly in understanding number systems. It refers to the value that a digit possesses by virtue of its position within a numeral. For example, in the number 345, the digit '3' has a different value than the digit '5' due to its placement. The '3' is in the hundreds place, signifying a value of 300, while the '5' is in the ones place, signifying a value of 5.

The concept of kohtväärtus is essential for performing arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. When we add numbers, we align them according to their place values and add corresponding digits. Similarly, in subtraction, borrowing and carrying over depend on the relative values of digits in different positions. This principle extends to larger numbers and more complex calculations.

Kohtväärtus is most commonly associated with the decimal (base-10) number system, which is used worldwide. In this system, each position represents a power of 10. Moving from right to left, the positions represent 10⁰ (ones), 10¹ (tens), 10² (hundreds), 10³ (thousands), and so on. Understanding kohtväärtus allows individuals to break down large numbers into understandable components, making them easier to manipulate and comprehend. It is a foundational building block for all subsequent mathematical learning.