Have you ever wondered why you need to know how to round numbers?
If you have taken math classes, then rounding numbers was something that you learned how to do. Besides, you probably know that there are different methods you can use to round numbers. But why do you need to know this? What’s the use of knowing how to round numbers after all?
Why Do You Need To Know How To Round Numbers
Simply put, rounding numbers simply allows you to look at numbers in an easier and simpler way. The truth is that when you round numbers, they will seem less accurate. And there’s a point of truth here. Nevertheless, in most instances, this won’t make any difference at all.
Discover everything you need to know about rounding numbers.
Besides, it is important to keep in mind that while you may be rounding numbers, the value of the rounded numbers will still be relatively close to what they originally were.
The truth is that many people keep rounding numbers in their daily lives and they don’t even notice that they are doing so. For example, when you are about to make a purchase, it’ normal that you round numbers. It’s not unusual at all to see prices such as $1.98, $53.95, $89.99. But when you are interested in buying these items, you instantly see their prices in a rounded form. You don’t do the math in your mind and add exactly $1.98 + $53.95 + $89.99. Instead, what you do is that you round the numbers to make the addition easier. So, in your mind, you add the rounded numbers:
$2 + $54 + $90
In some cases, you may even do it this way:
$2 + $55 + $90
And if you check the results, there isn’t much difference between them.
Check out our free rounding calculator.
But rounding numbers isn’t simply a strategy that you apply to when you want to make a purchase. Another example where you usually round numbers is to know how much time you take to get from home to work. Let’s say that you usually take 25 minutes. When you are talking to someone about the time you take from home to work, then you probably tell them that it takes you half an hour to get there or 30 minutes.
Another simple example when you round numbers and you don’t even realize it is when you look at the population of one city. Let’s take New York City as an example. You probably know that New York City has about 8 million people. However, you know that this isn’t the exact number. It’s an approximate number, it’s a rounded number that allows you to easily memorize. In case you don’t know, New York City has 8,214,426 people.
Discover the different rounding modes by using our rounding calculator.
Bottom Line
As you can see, it’s important that you learn and know how to round numbers. This isn’t one of those topics that you simply need to learn to pass the exam. You need to learn how to round numbers since you will be applying the concept more times than you think.