Math · Topic 14 of 65

Rounding

Rounding changes a number to a simpler one that is close. 47 rounded to the nearest ten is 50.

💡 Fun fact

When the digit is 5 or more, round up.

All about Rounding

Rounding changes a number to a simpler, nearby number. You round to a chosen place, such as the nearest ten, hundred or whole number. Look at the digit to the right of that place: if it is 5 or more, round up, and if it is 4 or less, round down.

For example, 47 rounded to the nearest ten is 50, and 234 rounded to the nearest hundred is 200. Rounding is useful when an exact number is not needed, such as estimating how much money you will spend.

🎮 Try it yourself!

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Real-life uses of Rounding

Estimating the total cost of shopping before you reach the till
Reporting the population of a town as "about 50,000"
Checking that an answer on a test is reasonable

Frequently asked questions about Rounding

How do you round 6.5 to the nearest whole number?

Round up to 7, because the digit after the decimal point is 5 or more.

Is rounding the same as estimating?

Rounding is one method of estimating. Estimating means making a sensible guess that is close to the real answer.

What happens when a number ends in 5?

By the usual rule, you round up. For example, 45 rounded to the nearest ten is 50.