3.249 rounded to nearest tenth
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: 3.2
To round the number 3.249 to the nearest tenth, we need to focus on the tenths and hundredths places.
- Identify the relevant digits:
- In the number 3.249, the digit in the tenths place is 2 (the first digit after the decimal point).
- The digit in the hundredths place is 4 (the second digit after the decimal point).
- Rounding rule:
- The rule for rounding is simple: if the digit in the place immediately to the right of the place you’re rounding to (in this case, the hundredths place) is 5 or greater, you round up. If it’s less than 5, you round down.
- Apply the rounding rule:
- The digit in the hundredths place is 4, which is less than 5. Therefore, we do not increase the tenths digit.
- Since we are not rounding up, the tenths digit (2) remains the same.
- Result:
- After rounding, the tenths place remains 2, leading to the final rounded number being 3.2.
In summary, when rounding 3.249 to the nearest tenth, the answer is 3.2. This process demonstrates how rounding works based on the digit immediately following the desired place value. Rounding is a common mathematical practice used to simplify numbers, making them easier to understand and work with, especially in estimation, measurement, and reporting contexts.
For example, if you’re managing finances, you may want to round figures to the nearest cent or dollar to facilitate easier calculations and reporting. In scientific contexts, rounding can help simplify data representation while still maintaining a level of accuracy appropriate for the situation. In both cases, the principles of rounding remain the same, focusing on the next smallest place value to determine how to adjust the target digit.