FRACTIONS, DECIMALS AND PERCENTAGES

Rounding Decimals

Learn the reliable method for rounding decimals, then apply it to 11+ exam-style questions.

1 · WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The idea

Round a decimal by inspecting the digit immediately to the right of the required place.

Picture itSee each decimal digit hold its place
2 · THE METHOD

Follow these steps

  1. Underline the rounding digit.
  2. Use the next digit: 5 or more rounds up; 4 or less stays.
  3. Remove digits beyond the required place and retain the correct unit.
3 · WORKED EXAMPLES

See the method in action

Example 1

Two lengths are 4.27 m and 5.2 m. Add them, then round the total to 1 decimal place.

  1. Add first: 4.27 + 5.2 = 9.47.
  2. The next digit is 7, so the rounded total is 9.5 m.
Answer: 9.5
Example 2

A number with exactly 3 decimal places rounds to 14.03 at 2 decimal places. What is the smallest possible number?

  1. The halfway point below 14.03 is 14.025.
  2. This rounds upwards to 14.03; every smaller permitted number rounds to 14.02 or less.
Answer: 14.025
4 · ELEVENSPRINT TIP

A useful shortcut

Remove digits beyond the required place and retain the correct unit.

5 · COMMON MISTAKES

Watch out for these

6 · TRY IT YOURSELF

Three fresh questions

Ready to check the method? You will get three fresh, validated questions.