Rounding Decimals

In this lesson, we will look at rounding decimals.

The rule for rounding decimals is the same as the rule for whole numbers.
Step 1: Decide on the place the number is to be rounded to.
Step 2: Look at the first digit to the right of that place.
Step 3: If the digit is equal to or more than 5, round up
Step 4: If the digit is less than 5, round down.
Step 5: We may drop the zeros.

Example:

Round 74.862 to the nearest tenths

Solution:

The digit at the tenth place is 8.
The digit to the right of 8 is 6.
Since 6 > 5 we round up.

74.862 rounded to the nearest tenths is 74.9

Example:

Round 74.862 to the nearest hundredths

Solution:

The digit at the hundredth place is 6.
The digit to the right of 6 is 2.
Since 2 < 5 we round down.

74.862 rounded to the nearest hundredths is 74.86

Example:

Round 74.862 to the nearest whole number

Solution:

The digit at the ones place is 4.
The digit to the right of 4 is 8.
Since 8 > 5 we round up.

74.862 rounded to the nearest whole number is 75

This two-part video shows more examples of how to round decimals.

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