The Rose Bowl stadium has a seating capacity of 92,542. Round this number to the nearest ten thousand. (Source: Rose Bowl Operating Company)
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The Rose Bowl stadium has a seating capacity of 92,542. To round this number to the nearest ten thousand, we follow these steps:
- Identify the digit in the ten-thousands place.
In 92,542, the digit in the ten-thousands place is 9. - Look at the digit immediately to the right, which is in the thousands place.
That digit is 2. - Apply rounding rules.
If the digit in the thousands place is 5 or greater, we round up.
If it is less than 5, we round down. Since 2 is less than 5, we round down. - Adjust all digits to the right of the ten-thousands place to zero.
So, 92,542 rounded to the nearest ten thousand is 90,000.
Final Answer: 90,000
Explanation
Rounding numbers is a useful mathematical skill that simplifies values for estimation, easier computation, or to communicate general figures without unnecessary detail. When rounding to the nearest ten thousand, we are simplifying a number to the closest multiple of 10,000.
For example, consider the Rose Bowl stadium’s seating capacity of 92,542. This precise number gives an exact count, but in many cases—like in planning or reporting—we may only need an approximation.
To round 92,542 to the nearest ten thousand, we first look at the digit in the ten-thousands place, which is 9. Next, we look at the digit to the immediate right—the thousands place—which is 2. Since 2 is less than 5, the standard rule tells us to leave the 9 as it is and replace all digits to the right with zeros. This means the number becomes 90,000.
This approximation helps in making quick calculations. For instance, if a sports planner is preparing transportation or refreshments for attendees, rounding the attendance figure to 90,000 simplifies the process. It’s close enough to the actual number to be useful, while being easy to work with.
Rounding is not just a math exercise—it’s a tool that bridges the gap between precision and practicality in everyday decision-making.
