Max Maths, Year 4, Try it, Rounding numbers to the nearest 10 or 100

In a mathematics lesson aimed at Year 4 students, rounding numbers to the nearest 10 or 100 is explored through a series of practical examples. The concept is introduced by examining the number 265 and determining its position relative to the nearest tens, which are 260 and 270. Since 265 is exactly halfway between these two numbers, the rule is to round up, resulting in an approximation of 270 when rounding to the nearest 10. This rule serves as a foundation for understanding how to approach rounding numbers that are equidistant from the two nearest tens or hundreds.

The lesson continues with exercises that encourage students to apply this rule using a number line. For instance, when asked to round 237 to the nearest 10, students find that it lies between 230 and 240 on the number line, helping them to determine the rounded number. Similarly, they practice with other numbers such as 584, which they round to the nearest 10, and larger numbers like 5,550 and 2,362, which they round to the nearest 100. In each case, a number line is used to visually aid the rounding process. The key takeaway for students is the consistent application of the rule that when a number is exactly in the middle of two rounding options, they should always round up.