Round Numbers to the Nearest 10, 100 or 1,000

In this activity,we will be rounding numbers to the nearest 10, 100, or 1,000.

Rounding numbers means adjusting the numbers (either up or down) to make rough calculations simpler.

Rounding numbers to the nearest 10:

If the ones digit of the number is less than 5, round the number down.

If the ones digit of the number is 5 or more, round the number up. 

Example: round 32 to the nearest 10:

30 <- - -32 - - - - - - -> 40

It is closer to 30, so 32 rounds down to 30

Example: round 36 to the nearest 10:

30 <- - - - - - 36- - -> 40 

36 is closer to 40, so 36 rounds up to 40. 

Rounding numbers to the nearest 100:

This time, look at the tens digit, if it is less than 50, round down.

If the tens digit is 50 or more, round up. 

Example: round 834 to the nearest 100.

800 < - - - - 834 - - - - - - - - - - - - >900

It is closer to 800, so 834 rounded to the nearest 100 is 800. It rounds down.

Rounding numbers to the nearest 1,000:

When rounding to the nearest 1,000, count in 1,000s on either side of your number and choose the closest one. 

Example: round 2,839 to the nearest 1,000

2,000 <- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -2,839 - - - - > 3,000

It's closer to 3,000, so 2,839 rounded to the nearest 1,000 is 3,000.

Do you feel ready to try some questions of your own now?