what is 3.249 rounded to the nearest tenth

Charlotte

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26-02-2025

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Rounding numbers is a fundamental skill in math, used daily in various contexts. This article will clearly explain how to round the number 3.249 to the nearest tenth. We'll break down the process step-by-step, making it easy to understand even for beginners. Understanding rounding will help you in various mathematical calculations and real-world situations.

Understanding Decimal Places and Rounding

Before we tackle rounding 3.249, let's review the basics of decimal places. A decimal number is made up of a whole number part and a fractional part, separated by a decimal point. For example, in the number 3.249:

• 3 is the whole number part.
• .249 is the fractional part.

Each digit after the decimal point represents a place value: tenths, hundredths, thousandths, and so on. In 3.249:

• 2 is in the tenths place.
• 4 is in the hundredths place.
• 9 is in the thousandths place.

Rounding involves approximating a number to a certain number of decimal places. We look at the digit to the right of the place we're rounding to.

Rounding 3.249 to the Nearest Tenth

Our goal is to round 3.249 to the nearest tenth. This means we need to consider the digit in the hundredths place (4) to decide whether to round the digit in the tenths place (2) up or down.

The Rule: If the digit to the right is 5 or greater, round up. If it's less than 5, round down.

In 3.249:

1. Identify the tenths place: The digit in the tenths place is 2.
2. Look at the digit to the right: The digit in the hundredths place is 4.
3. Apply the rule: Since 4 is less than 5, we round down. The 2 in the tenths place remains a 2.
4. Drop the remaining digits: We drop the digits to the right of the tenths place (4 and 9).

Therefore, 3.249 rounded to the nearest tenth is 3.2.

Practical Applications of Rounding

Rounding is useful in many real-world scenarios:

• Money: Prices are often rounded to the nearest cent (hundredth).
• Measurements: Measurements may be rounded to a specific degree of accuracy.
• Statistics: Data is frequently rounded for easier interpretation.
• Calculations: Rounding intermediate steps can simplify complex calculations.

Conclusion

Rounding 3.249 to the nearest tenth results in 3.2. This simple process, based on understanding decimal places and the rounding rule, is a crucial skill in various mathematical and real-world applications. Remember the key: look at the digit to the right of the place you are rounding to; if it is 5 or greater, round up; otherwise, round down. Mastering rounding will enhance your mathematical abilities and improve accuracy in many situations.