Rounding to the Nearest 10th
In order to round to the nearest tenth, we need to know where the tenths place is. Here is a visual look at place value:
![](/math/topics/images/rounding_nearest_10_img1.jpg)
The tenths place is to the right of the decimal point. Our rounded answer will stop at the tenths place.
![](/math/topics/images/rounding_nearest_10_img2.jpg)
We use the hundredths place to help us determine the value that needs to be in the tenths place.
![](/math/topics/images/rounding_nearest_10_img3.jpg)
If the value in the hundredths place is 5 or above "we give it a shove."
If the value is four or below, "we let it go."
In this example, the number is 6, which is "5 or above." So we give it a shove. This means that we round it up from 5 to 6.
Let's stop and think about this for a second:
Is 0.56 closer to 0.50 or 0.60? We know that 56 is closer to 60, so 0.56 is closer to 0.60 or 0.6. Therefore, we round the 5 up to a 6.
The final answer is 1,234.6.
Here are some more examples. Round each number to the nearest tenth.
#1.
![](/math/topics/images/rounding_nearest_10_img4.jpg)
Step 1: Locate the tenths place.
![](/math/topics/images/rounding_nearest_10_img5.jpg)
Step 2: Look to the right of the tenths place and use the number to determine if you will round up or stay the same.
![](/math/topics/images/rounding_nearest_10_img6.jpg)
Notice that the number to the right is less than 5. This means that the 1 will not round up to a 2. Instead, it will stay the same.
Step 3: Write the final answer that ends at the tenths place.
![](/math/topics/images/rounding_nearest_10_img7.jpg)
#2.
![](/math/topics/images/rounding_nearest_10_img8.jpg)
Step 1: Locate the tenths place.
![](/math/topics/images/rounding_nearest_10_img9.jpg)
Step 2: Look to the right of the tenths place and use the number to determine if you will round up or stay the same.
![](/math/topics/images/rounding_nearest_10_img10.jpg)
Here, we have a 9 to the right of the tenths place. This is above 5, so we will round up from 2 to 3.
Step 3: Write the final answer that ends at the tenths place.
![](/math/topics/images/rounding_nearest_10_img11.jpg)
#3.
![](/math/topics/images/rounding_nearest_10_img12.jpg)
Step 1: Locate the tenths place.
![](/math/topics/images/rounding_nearest_10_img13.jpg)
Step 2: Look to the right of the tenths place and use the number to determine if you will round up or stay the same.
![](/math/topics/images/rounding_nearest_10_img14.jpg)
This is an interesting example. The 7 tells us to round up. However, when we round up the nine becomes a ten. When this happens the nine becomes a zero and the place to the left is one bigger. Here is a look at the 9 becoming a 10. Notice that the 1 in the ten is under the next place value to the left.
![](/math/topics/images/rounding_nearest_10_img15.jpg)
We can think of this as the 29 rounding up to a 30.
Step 3: Write the final answer that ends at the tenths place.
![](/math/topics/images/rounding_nearest_10_img16.jpg)
Let's Review:
After you locate the tenths place, you will look to the right. If the number to the right is 5 or greater, you will round the tenths place up to the next digit.
If the number to the right is 4 or less, you will leave the tenths place alone.
Related Links:
Math
Rounding
Rounding with Decimals
Rounding to the Nearest Whole
Rounding to the Nearest Hundredth
Decimals Place Value Worksheets
Factors