Learn the idea
Rounding chooses a nearby benchmark. The requested place tells you the spacing between benchmarks; the next digit helps determine which benchmark is nearer.
- Locate the requested rounding place.
- Look at the digit immediately to its right.
- For 0–4 keep the rounding digit; for 5–9 increase it. Replace following digits with zeros.
LET’S WORK IT OUT
Worked example
Round 4,672 to the nearest hundred.
4,700
4,672 lies between 4,600 and 4,700. The tens digit is seven, so round upward.
A mistake to watch for
Check the digit directly beside the requested place, rather than the last digit in the number.
YOUR TURN
Try three practice questions
Enter your answer, then check the explanation. You can also open each explanation to study it. These three questions check understanding; they are not a mastery score.
Question 1
Round 3,428 to the nearest hundred.
Answer and explanation
3400 — The tens digit is two, so keep the hundreds digit.
Question 2
Round 6,750 to the nearest thousand.
Answer and explanation
7000 — The hundreds digit is seven, so round upward.
Question 3
Round 8,165 to the nearest ten.
Answer and explanation
8170 — The ones digit is five, so round upward.
For parents and teachers
Place the exact number between its two possible benchmarks on a number line.
Ask your learner to explain the method before moving on. This lesson covers one focused skill and is not a complete curriculum assessment.