A computer rounded the number 129.257 to the nearest hundredth. What is this number rounded to the nearest hundredth? A .100 B. 129.30 C. 130 D. 129.26
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To round the number 129.257 to the nearest hundredth, we need to understand the rules of rounding. The hundredth place is the second digit to the right of the decimal point. In the number 129.257, the digits are as follows:
- The digit in the ones place is 9.
- The digit in the tenths place is 2.
- The digit in the hundredths place is 5.
- The digit in the thousandths place is 7.
To round to the nearest hundredth, we focus on the digit in the hundredths place (5) and the digit in the thousandths place (7). The rounding rule states that if the digit in the next place (thousandths place) is 5 or greater, we round up the hundredths place by one. If it is less than 5, we leave the hundredths place as it is.
In this case, since the thousandths place has a 7, which is greater than 5, we round up the digit in the hundredths place from 5 to 6. Therefore, the hundredths place increases by one.
Putting it all together, rounding 129.257 to the nearest hundredth gives us:
- The digits before the hundredths place remain the same (129.2).
- The hundredths place changes from 5 to 6.
Thus, the rounded number becomes 129.26.
In conclusion, the number 129.257 rounded to the nearest hundredth is 129.26. Among the options provided:
- A: 100
- B: 129.30
- C: 130
- D: 129.26
The correct answer is D: 129.26. This demonstrates the application of rounding rules and their importance in ensuring numerical accuracy in various contexts, such as financial calculations and data analysis.