Rounding

Definition

Replacing a number with a nearby value stated to a chosen degree of accuracy.

Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR

Specification N15 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3

Rounding replaces a number with a nearby value at a stated degree of accuracy.
Revise: Rounding and Accuracy

Specification N15 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3

The process of replacing a number with a nearby value at a stated place value or degree of accuracy.

1
Underline whether the question asks for decimal places, significant figures or a contextual degree of accuracy before rounding.
2
For an error interval, identify the rounding or truncation step first. When rounding, halve this step to find the two boundary values.
3
In context, check whether the answer must be rounded up, rounded down or given to the nearest unit; ordinary rounding is not always appropriate.

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Rounding replaces a number with a nearby value that is easier to use while retaining an appropriate amount of information.

Specification 4.01a · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Foundation), Paper 4 (Higher), Paper 5 (Higher), Paper 6 (Higher)

Replacing a number with a nearby, simpler value at a stated degree of accuracy.
Rounding replaces a number with a nearby value that is easier to read, report or use while keeping its approximate size. For example, a crowd count might be reported to the nearest hundred, whereas a measured length might be recorded to the nearest millimetre.
Revise: Rounding Accuracy