The idea
Rounding replaces a number with the nearest multiple of a chosen place value.
Follow these steps
- Find the digit in the rounding place.
- Inspect the digit immediately to its right.
- Round up for 5–9 or keep the digit for 0–4, then replace following digits with zero.
See the method in action
Example 1
Round 12,950 to the nearest thousand.
- The hundreds digit determines the direction.
- 12,950 is nearest to 13,000.
Example 2
Which interval contains every whole number that rounds to 13,000 to the nearest thousand?
- First identify the relevant place-value or representation relationship.
- Then the lower midpoint is included; the next midpoint rounds up, so the final included integer is 13499.
- Finally, check the result against every value or position stated in the question.
A useful shortcut
Round up for 5–9 or keep the digit for 0–4, then replace following digits with zero.
Watch out for these
Three fresh questions
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