Max Maths, Year 2, Learn together, Rounding numbers

In the Max Maths Year 2 curriculum, students are learning an essential mathematical skill: rounding numbers to the nearest ten. For instance, when considering the number 82, students are taught to compare it to the nearest tens, which are 80 and 90. Since 82 is closer to 80 than to 90, it is rounded down, resulting in 82 being approximately equal to 80 when rounded to the nearest ten. This concept is reinforced with the symbol ≈, which stands for 'approximately equal to'.

Another example provided is the number 56. In this case, students must determine whether 56 is closer to 50 or 60. They learn that 56 is closer to 60, so when rounded to the nearest ten, 56 becomes approximately 60. The lesson also covers what happens when a number is exactly in the middle of two tens, such as 35, which is equidistant from 30 and 40. The rule taught here is to round up when a number is halfway between two tens, so 35 is rounded up to approximately 40. To solidify their understanding, students are encouraged to use a number line to help them round numbers. They are given a practical exercise to round 42 to the nearest ten using a number line that shows 30, 40, and 50, which helps them visually see that 42 is closer to 40 and should therefore be rounded down to approximately 40.