Rounding Math Example 4

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 4

medium
A measurement is given as 5.285.28 m. Round to the nearest metre and estimate the percent error introduced.

Solution

  1. 1
    Rounded value: 5.28→55.28 \to 5 m (tenths digit 2<52 < 5, round down).
  2. 2
    Error =∣5.28−5∣=0.28= |5.28 - 5| = 0.28 m.
  3. 3
    Percent error =0.285.28×100≈5.3%= \dfrac{0.28}{5.28} \times 100 \approx 5.3\%.

Answer

Rounded to 55 m; percent error ≈5.3%\approx 5.3\%.
Rounding introduces an error equal to the discarded amount. Expressing this as a percent of the original value shows the relative impact of rounding. Coarser rounding (to larger units) generally introduces larger percent errors.

About Rounding

Replacing a number with a nearby simpler approximation at a specified place value, using the digit to the right to decide.

Learn more about Rounding →

More Rounding Examples

Example 1 easy

Round [formula] to (a) the nearest hundred, (b) the nearest tenth.

Example 2 medium

Round [formula] to [formula] significant figures. Then round [formula] to [formula] significant figu

Example 3 easy

Round [formula] to the nearest hundredth. Then round [formula] to the nearest tenth.

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