Max Maths, Year 3, Learn together, Rounding numbers to tens or hundreds (1)

In a mathematics lesson for Year 3 pupils, the concept of rounding numbers to the nearest ten or hundred is explored. The lesson begins with the question of whether the number 23 is closer to 20 or 30. A visual representation with steps shows that there are 3 steps to 20 and 7 steps to 30, indicating that 23 is nearer to 20. Therefore, when rounding to the nearest ten, 23 is rounded down to 20, as it is the closest multiple of ten to 23.

Another example provided is the number 86, which is examined to determine whether it is closer to 80 or 90. The illustration reveals that there are 6 steps to 80 and only 4 steps to 90, making 86 closer to 90. Consequently, when rounding 86 to the nearest ten, it is rounded up to 90, the nearest multiple of ten. Additionally, the lesson covers the scenario when a number is equidistant from two multiples of ten, such as 45, which is exactly between 40 and 50. In such cases, the rule is to round up to the next ten, so 45 is rounded to 50. This rounding principle is an important mathematical skill that helps students estimate and simplify numbers.