- Definition
To "round" a number means to change it slightly to a simpler, nearby number that's easier to work with, especially when you just need a rough idea or estimate. For example, you might change 27 to 30 to quickly figure out an approximate answer.
If you have 8 stickers, you can say you have 'about 10' because 8 is closer to 10 than to 0.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Rounding a number is like deciding which of two bus stops is closer to where you are standing on the street.
Ask your child: Is the number 8 closer to 0 or to 10?
Common mix-up: Kids might think rounding means you always go up to the next number. Rounding means finding the closest friendly number, which could be up or down.
Examples
- If you have 12 crayons, you can say you have about 10.
- If there are 18 kids on the bus, you can say there are about 20 kids.
round is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 3 The Arts
- Grade 5 The Arts
- Grade 6 The Arts
- Grade 3 Mathematics
- Grade 4 Mathematics
- Grade 5 Mathematics
+4 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
