A way of writing numbers that shows the value of each digit by expressing it as a sum of place values. Each digit is multiplied by its corresponding place value and the results are added together.
From Latin 'expandere' meaning 'to spread out' or 'unfold', combined with 'forma' meaning 'shape'. The educational term became popular in the mid-20th century as mathematics pedagogy emphasized place value understanding.
Expanded form is like X-ray vision for numbers - it reveals the hidden architecture inside! The number 3,847 becomes 3,000 + 800 + 40 + 7, showing students that numbers are actually sophisticated buildings constructed from place values.
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