number · Year 5 · Suggested learning sequence
Rounding large numbers
To round to the nearest 1000, 10 000 or 100 000, find the two multiples the number sits between, then look at the deciding digit: the one just right of the rounding place. If it is 5 or more, round up; if it is less than 5, round down. Every digit after the rounding place becomes 0. Look at the deciding digit only once: do not round one place at a time.
Sample questions
51 563 is between 51 000 and 52 000. Round it to the nearest 1000.
- 51 563 is between 51 000 and 52 000.
- The deciding digit is the hundreds digit, 5. It is 5 or more, so round up.
- 51 563 rounded to the nearest 1000 is 52000.
Answer: 52000
70 460 is between 70 000 and 71 000. Round it to the nearest 1000.
- 70 460 is between 70 000 and 71 000.
- The deciding digit is the hundreds digit, 4. It is less than 5, so round down.
- 70 460 rounded to the nearest 1000 is 70000.
Answer: 70000
63 469 is between 63 000 and 64 000. Round it to the nearest 1000.
- 63 469 is between 63 000 and 64 000.
- The deciding digit is the hundreds digit, 4. It is less than 5, so round down.
- 63 469 rounded to the nearest 1000 is 63000.
Answer: 63000