What are Multibase Arithmetic Blocks?

aka MAB 101

Large cube	Flat	Long	Small cube

Multibase Arithmetic Blocks (MAB) help to promote an understanding of the number system. They are wooden or plastic blocks used to give a concrete representation of numbers, emphasising the place value aspect.

The most commonly used blocks are called ‘base ten’ blocks and consist of:

      small cubes - representing ones or units

      longs - 10 small cubes placed end-to-end

      flats - formed using 100 small cubes.

      large cubes - formed from 1000 small cubes or 100 longs or 10 flats.

Note: There are sets of blocks based on other place value systems, hence the name Multibase Arithmetic Blocks.

MAB can be used to represent numbers as follows:

138 can be shown as:

Hundreds Flats	Tens Longs	Ones Units

The MAB are also used for numerous trading games which help develop an understanding of place value.

These games involve regrouping and trading the materials.

For example:
	may be regrouped as
14 units or 14 ones		1 ten or flat and 4 ones or units