ROUNDING NUMBERS
Does rounding before calculating have much of an effect on the final answer?
When should you round off when solving a problem?
Explore these questions by calculating the area of the net of this rectangular prism in different ways.
First try rounding off before you calculate to make the numbers easier. Then round at the end of your
calculations only.
TASK 1 Round before calculating (to whole numbers)
Round each measurement to the nearest whole number first then find the total area of the net.
The areas of the sides of the box have been calculated.
Left and right sides Top and bottom Front and back
Area of one side = (1 × 3) cm2 Area of top = Area of front =
= 3 cm2
∴ Area both sides = 6 cm2 ∴ Area top and bottom = ∴ Area front and back =
Total area of net =
TASK 2 Round before calculating (to one decimal place)
Round each measurement to one decimal place. Then use your calculator to find the total area of the net.
Left and right sides Top and bottom Front and back
Area one side = Area top = Area front =
∴ Area both sides = ∴ Area top and bottom = ∴ Area front and back =
Total area of net =
TASK 3 Round after calculating
Use your calculator to find the area of the net using the original measurements. Round your final
answer to two decimal places.
Left and right sides Top and bottom Front and back
Area one side = Area top = Area front =
∴ Area both sides = ∴ Area of top and bottom = ∴ Area front and back =
Total area of net =
TASK 4 Compare the answers
Compare your answers to tasks 1, 2 and 3. Consider the effect of rounding before you calculate the
final answer. For the most accurate answer, when should you round?
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