Round the following numbers as indicated.
To one decimal place
A. 54.7421
B. 0.9741
The correct answer and explanation is :
Let’s break down how to round the numbers to one decimal place:
A. 54.7421 to one decimal place
To round a number to one decimal place, we look at the second decimal place (the hundredths place).
- The number in question is 54.7421.
- The first decimal place is 7 (in the tenths place).
- The second decimal place is 4 (in the hundredths place).
Rounding rule:
- If the number in the second decimal place is 5 or greater, we round the first decimal place up by 1.
- If the number in the second decimal place is less than 5, we leave the first decimal place unchanged.
In this case, since the second decimal place is 4 (which is less than 5), we leave the first decimal place as 7.
Thus, rounding 54.7421 to one decimal place gives:
54.7
B. 0.9741 to one decimal place
Now let’s apply the same logic to 0.9741.
- The number is 0.9741.
- The first decimal place is 9 (in the tenths place).
- The second decimal place is 7 (in the hundredths place).
Rounding rule:
- The second decimal place is 7 (greater than 5), so we round the first decimal place 9 up by 1.
Thus, rounding 0.9741 to one decimal place gives:
1.0
Explanation:
Rounding to a certain decimal place is a way of simplifying numbers while maintaining their value as closely as possible. Rounding is commonly used in everyday calculations where precision beyond a certain number of decimal places isn’t necessary.
In rounding to one decimal place, we focus on the first decimal (tenths) and use the second decimal (hundredths) to decide if the first decimal should stay the same or be adjusted. When rounding, it’s important to follow the rules consistently to ensure the rounded number represents the original number as accurately as possible without excessive precision.
This method of rounding applies to any number with decimals, and the same process can be extended to any decimal place—such as rounding to two decimal places or more, just by considering the next digits in sequence.