What Does Rounding Decimals Mean?
Rounding decimals helps us simplify numbers while keeping them close to their original value.
When we round decimals, we look at the digit to the right of where we want to round. If it's 5 or more, we round up. If it's less than 5, we round down. It's like deciding whether to give a number a little boost or keep it where it is!
How to Round Decimals
1️⃣ Find your place - Decide which decimal place you're rounding to (tenths, hundredths, etc.)
2️⃣ Look next door - Check the digit immediately to the right of your rounding place
3️⃣ Make the call - If it's 5 or more, round up. If it's 4 or less, keep it the same
Let's Practice Rounding!
Example 1: Round 3.47 to the nearest tenth
We're rounding to the tenths place (the 4). The digit to its right is 7.
Since 7 is 5 or more, we round the 4 up to 5.
Example 2: Round 5.832 to the nearest hundredth
We're rounding to the hundredths place (the 3). The digit to its right is 2.
Since 2 is less than 5, we keep the 3 the same.
Parent Tips 🌟
- Use money as an example: Show how $1.49 rounds to $1.50 when we're counting coins, making the connection to real life.
- Play "Round the Room": Write decimal numbers on sticky notes around the house and have your child round them to different places.
- Make it a game: Create a rounding race where you call out decimal numbers and see who can round them correctly first.