Rounding decimals to significant figures
I can round decimals to a required number of significant figures.
Rounding decimals to significant figures
I can round decimals to a required number of significant figures.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Numbers bigger than 1 with decimals places can be rounded to significant figures.
- When working with numbers smaller than one it is important to carefully identify the first significant figure.
- Once the first significant figure is identified you can find any significant figure.
- It is important to know when zeros are and are not significant.
Keywords
Significant figure - Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to the accuracy of the number. The first significant figure is the first non-zero digit.
Round - To change a number into another number that is approximately the same value but is easier to work with. E.g. round 561 to the nearest 10 is 560.
Common misconception
Assuming all zero digits are not significant.
Designing questions that contain zero digits in a variety of positions.
To help you plan your year 8 maths lesson on: Rounding decimals to significant figures, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 maths lesson on: Rounding decimals to significant figures, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 maths lessons from the Estimation and rounding unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
5 is the second significant figure
5 is the fourth significant figure
5 is the first significant figure
5 is the fifth significant figure
5 is the third significant figure
Exit quiz
6 Questions
5 is the first significant figure
2 is the first significant figure
4 is the first significant figure
7 is the first significant figure
3 is the first significant figure