While solving division questions or converting fractions to decimals, you will often encounter situations where the equation will continue indefinitely. At this stage you will have to round the number to either an assigned or workable position (example: nearest whole number, nearest tenth, nearest hundredth, etc.)

Example:

2 / 3 = 0.6666666 …

6 divided by 7 = 0.857143

1 / 3 = 0.3333333…

Rounding to the nearest tenth would result in the following:

0.6666666 would round to 0.7

0.857143 would round to 0.9

0.333333 would round to 0.3

Rules for Rounding

The rules for rounding dictate that you look at the digit that is one decimal place to the right of the decimal required. This digit determines whether you round up to the next highest digit or round down to the existing digit and discard all numbers afterward.

If the digit to the right of the required decimal is 5 or more, you must increase the digit by one. For example if you were rounding to the nearest thousand, the following would apply:

2528 would round to 3000

1700 would round to 2000

1999 would round to 2000

If the digit to the right of the required decimal is 4 or less, you must keep the existing digit and discard the numbers afterward. For example if you were rounding to the nearest hundredth, the following would apply:

5.7742 would round to 5.77

3.8931 would round to 3.89

100.0102 would round to 100.01

7.0035 would round to 7.00

Peer Support

If you are having difficulty with the subject matter, there is always a great deal of support available to you from other members through the Forum. Simply do a search for the material you need help with (math, algebra, integers, etc.) Members are very supportive and helpful. Don't hesitate to post any questions, or provide answers to others seeking assistance.

Rounding Practice Tests

Work through the following tests to make sure you are comfortable with the material.

Practice Exercises

Round the following numbers as indicated (answers below).

1) 0.505 (to the nearest tenth)

2) 0.991 (to the nearest hundredth)

3) 1.695 (to the nearest hundredth)

4) 0.28814 (to the nearest thousandth)

5) 2451 (to the nearest hundred)

6) 105 (to the nearest ten)

7) 770 (to the nearest hundred)

8) 999.99 (to the nearest tenth)

9) 731.9864 (to the nearest thousandth)

10) 100.005 (to the nearest hundredth)

Answers

1) 0.5
2) 0.99
3) 1.70
4) 0.288
5) 2500
6) 110
7) 800
8) 1000.0
9) 731.986
10) 100.01