Rounding

Definition

Rounding is a mathematical technique used to reduce the number of significant digits in a number while keeping its value close to the original. In scientific measurements, rounding helps in reporting values with appropriate precision.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rounding is essential for reporting measurements with proper significant figures.
2. When rounding, if the digit right after the place you are rounding to is 5 or higher, you round up the last retained digit.
3. If the digit right after the place you are rounding to is less than 5, you round down the last retained digit.
4. In chemistry, accurate rounding ensures consistency and clarity in reported data.
5. Rounding rules apply uniformly regardless of whether dealing with whole numbers or decimals.

Review Questions

• What are the basic rules for rounding a number?
• How does rounding affect the precision of a measurement?
• Why is proper rounding important in scientific measurements?

Related terms

Significant Figures:

Digits in a measurement that contribute to its accuracy, including all certain digits and one uncertain digit.

Precision:

The degree to which repeated measurements under unchanged conditions show the same results.

Measurement Uncertainty: An estimate attached to a measurement that characterizes the range of values within which the true value lies.