Rounding decimals means finding a number that is close to the original number, but easier to work with. It helps estimate or simplify numbers in calculations.
When rounding, you do not change the value much — you only make it simpler to use in everyday math or estimation.
To round a decimal, look at the digit to the right of the place value you are rounding to. Then decide whether to round up or keep the same number.
Remember: 5 or more, round up; 4 or less, stay the same. This rule works for any place value.
You can round a decimal to the nearest whole number, tenth, hundredth, or thousandth. The place value you choose depends on how exact you need your answer to be.
Always identify which digit you are rounding to before deciding what happens to the rest of the number.
Rounding is useful in everyday situations when exact numbers are not needed, such as dealing with money, measurements, or estimating totals.
Rounding helps you make reasonable estimates quickly. It’s a good habit when you want to check if your answers make sense.
After rounding, compare your rounded number with the original number to see if it makes sense. The rounded number should be close but simpler.
If your rounded number is not close to the original, you may have rounded to the wrong place value or made an error in the rounding rule.