When rounding to tens, we look at which ten is closer.
If the number ends in 1, 2, 3 or 4, we round down.
If the number ends in 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, we round up.
Example: 234 ≈ 230 (230 is closer than 240)
Example: 478 ≈ 480 (480 is closer than 470)
Example
- 230
- 480
For parents
What does this exercise practice?
Round numbers up to 1000 to the nearest ten and get to know the approximately-equal sign.
Common pitfalls
Children often look at the wrong digit. When rounding to tens, only the ones digit decides, the hundreds stay unchanged.
How to practice at home
Look for prices in a flyer and round them to the nearest ten together: 398 becomes about 400.
Related: Number line, Neighbor numbers, Break apart