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Rounding and Measurement Precision

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Rounding and Measurement Precision

Round each measurement to the precision requested. Include units in your answers and show working where asked.

Rounding measurements

Use the precision that makes sense for the purpose of each measurement.

1.A timber beam is measured as 3.764 m. Write this measurement to the nearest tenth of a metre, nearest centimetre, and nearest whole metre.

2.A recipe requires a small amount of spice, and a digital scale reads 0.684 kg. Which rounded amount keeps the measurement reasonably precise for weighing the ingredient?

1 kg, to the nearest kilogram
0.7 kg, to the nearest tenth of a kilogram
0.68 kg, to the nearest hundredth of a kilogram

3.A cycle track is 462.68 m long. Give its length rounded to the nearest metre for a public sign, nearest 10 m for an early budget estimate, and nearest centimetre for a detailed plan.

4.A thermometer reads 18.46°C. The display for a general room-temperature report should show the nearest whole degree. Use the number line to identify the rounded reading.

5.Select the measurement that is written to an appropriate precision for the stated use. Select one answer.

A long-distance road sign shows the distance to a town as 146.827 km.
A medicine label gives a dose as 2.5 mg, as directed by the prescription.
A cooking timer is set for 12.384 minutes.

Measurement in practical situations

Consider how the purpose of a measurement affects the rounding choice.

6.A rectangular community garden measures 14.638 m by 9.276 m, and fence posts are planned at intervals of 1.84 m. For ordering materials, round the garden dimensions to the nearest metre and the post spacing to the nearest tenth of a metre. For setting out the garden on site, round all three measurements to the nearest centimetre.

7.Explain why the garden dimensions in the previous question are rounded differently for ordering materials and setting out the site. Refer to the purpose of each task.

8.A recipe uses 0.425 kg of fish for 5 people. Calculate the amount needed for 12 people, then give a sensible amount to buy, rounded to the nearest 0.01 kg. Show your calculation.

9.In te reo Māori, tika can refer to being correct or right. In two or three sentences, explain how choosing a suitable level of precision can help make a measurement tika in a practical task.