Round Numbers to the Nearest Thousand

In this activity, we will be looking at how to round numbers to the nearest 1,000 in order to estimate the answer to a multiplication.

Rules for rounding to the nearest 1,000

To round to the nearest 1,000, look at the hundreds digit.

If the hundreds digit is 5 or more, round up.

If the hundreds digit is 4 or less, round down.

7,434 would be rounded down to 7,000.

9,981 would be rounded up to 10,000.

12,678 would be rounded up to 13,000.

Example:

2,624 x 1,122 = ?

Round each number to the nearest 1,000 first

2,624  3,000

1,122 1,000

Now calculate: 3,000 x 1,000 = ?

3 x 1 x 1,000 x 1,000 =

3 x 1,000,000 = 3,000,000 (3 million)

Top tip for multiplying large numbers with lots of zeros!

Remove the zeros, multiply the remaining digits and then add the zeros back on!

3,000 x 1,000: remove the six zeros and do 3 x 1 = 3

Add the six zeros back on: 3,000,000

Are you ready to have a go?