Positional weights in decimal — identify the contribution of a digit: In the decimal number 481, what is the powers-of-10 weight contributed by the digit 4 (hundreds place)?

Introduction / Context:
Place-value systems assign weights to digit positions based on powers of the base. In decimal (base-10), the hundreds, tens, and ones places carry weights 10^2, 10^1, and 10^0, respectively. This question reinforces recognition of positional contribution for a specific digit in a three-digit number.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Number: 481 = 4×10^2 + 8×10^1 + 1×10^0.
• We are asked only for the contribution of the leftmost digit (4).
• Standard decimal notation, no scientific notation needed here.

Concept / Approach:
The value contributed by a digit equals digit_value * base^position. For the hundreds place, the weight is 10^2 = 100. Multiplying by the digit 4 gives 4 * 100 = 400.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify position: leftmost digit 4 is in the hundreds position.Compute weight: 10^2 = 100.Multiply by digit: 4 * 100 = 400.Therefore, the contribution of the digit 4 is 400.

Verification / Alternative check:
Reconstruct 481 from place values: 4×100 + 8×10 + 1×1 = 400 + 80 + 1 = 481; the 4 contributes 400, confirming the result.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
102 and 104 are miswritten forms that resemble powers of ten but are not numerical contributions; the correct contribution is a value (400), not an exponent string.
100 is only the positional weight, not the digit’s contribution (needs multiplication by 4).

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing the positional weight (100) with the digit’s total contribution (400); overlooking that each digit’s effect equals digit × weight.

Final Answer:
400