Rounding Decimals

Rounding decimals is a method used to simplify numbers while maintaining their value to a certain degree of accu\fracy. This is done by increasing or decreasing the decimal number based on certain rules.

Rounding Rules

1. Identify the place value you want to round to (e.g., tenths, hundredths).
2. Look at the digit immediately to the right of the place value.
3. If that digit is 5 or greater, round up. If it is less than 5, round down.

Example

Round the number 3.276 to the nearest tenth:

1. The tenths place is the first digit after the decimal: 2.
2. Look at the next digit (hundredths place): 7.
3. Since 7 is greater than 5, we round the 2 up to 3.
4. Therefore, 3.276 rounded to the nearest tenth is 3.3.

Practice Problems

• Round 5.643 to the nearest hundredth.
• Round 2.984 to the nearest whole number.
• Round 0.049 to the nearest tenth.

Key Questions

• What digit do you look at when rounding?
• How do you decide whether to round up or down?
• Can you explain the rounding process using an example?

Conclusion

Rounding decimals helps in estimating values and making calculations easier. Practice rounding different decimal numbers to become more comfortable with the process.