5.196 Rounded to the Nearest Hundredth: A Simple Guide
Rounding numbers is a fundamental skill in mathematics, useful in everyday life and across various disciplines. This guide focuses specifically on rounding the number 5.196 to the nearest hundredth. We'll break down the process step-by-step, making it easy to understand even for those new to the concept.
Understanding Hundredths
Before we begin, let's clarify what a hundredth is. In the decimal system, a hundredth is the second digit to the right of the decimal point. For example, in the number 5.196, the digit 9 represents the hundredths place.
The Rounding Process
The rule for rounding to the nearest hundredth is simple:
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Identify the hundredths digit: In 5.196, the hundredths digit is 9.
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Look at the digit to its right: The digit to the right of the 9 is 6.
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Apply the rounding rule: If the digit to the right is 5 or greater, round the hundredths digit up. If it's less than 5, keep the hundredths digit as it is. Since 6 is greater than 5, we round the 9 up.
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Perform the rounding: Rounding the 9 up increases it to 10. This means the 9 becomes a 0, and we carry-over the 1 to the tenths place.
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Final Result: Therefore, 5.196 rounded to the nearest hundredth is 5.20.
Why is it 5.20 and not 5.2?
It's crucial to retain the zero in the hundredths place (5.20). While both 5.2 and 5.20 represent the same value, keeping the zero indicates the level of precision achieved by the rounding process. Dropping the zero might imply less precision than was actually obtained.
Practice Makes Perfect
Try rounding some other numbers to the nearest hundredth to solidify your understanding. For instance:
- 3.452
- 8.765
- 12.004
- 9.997
Mastering rounding is a building block for more advanced mathematical concepts and problem-solving. Understanding the process thoroughly will make these future challenges significantly easier.
