what is 51.8 rounded to the nearest one
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
51.8 rounded to the nearest one is 52.
Explanation (300 words):
Rounding numbers is a method used in mathematics to simplify figures, making them easier to work with or understand. When rounding to the nearest one, you’re rounding a number to the closest whole number—also known as an integer. This involves looking at the tenths digit, which is the first number to the right of the decimal point.
In the number 51.8, the digit before the decimal point is 51. The tenths digit—the first digit after the decimal point—is 8. This digit plays a crucial role in determining whether to round up or down.
Here’s how rounding to the nearest one works:
- If the tenths digit is less than 5 (that is, 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4), you round down. This means you keep the whole number the same and drop the decimal portion.
- If the tenths digit is 5 or more (that is, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9), you round up. This means you increase the whole number by one.
Since the tenths digit in 51.8 is 8, which is greater than 5, you round the number up. Therefore, 51.8 becomes 52 when rounded to the nearest one.
Rounding is especially useful in real-life situations where precise values aren’t necessary. For example, if you’re estimating costs, counting people, or measuring distances roughly, rounding helps simplify the numbers for communication and calculation.
To summarize, 51.8 rounds to 52 because 8 is greater than 5, which means we increase the whole number part by 1 and drop the decimal. This rule applies to all decimal numbers when rounding to the nearest one.