Rounding integers to one significant figure
I can round integers to one significant figure.
Rounding integers to one significant figure
I can round integers to one significant figure.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- It is possible to use rounding and place value to know the size of a number without knowing the actual number.
- The first non-zero digit of a number is the first significant figure.
- You can identify the place value of the first significant figure.
- A number can be located on a number line and numbers to 1 significant figure either side of it represented.
- Any integer can be rounded to one significant figure and a number line can help with this.
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.
Within the lesson there are many examples where some zeros are significant. Relate significance back to the communication of accuracy and that some digits are significant as they preserve the place value of other digits.
To help you plan your year 8 maths lesson on: Rounding integers to one significant figure, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 maths lesson on: Rounding integers to one significant figure, 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.
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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
Starter quiz
6 Questions

Exit quiz
6 Questions
4 564 231 -
five million
52.96 -
fifty
48 264 -
fifty thousand
5365.12 -
five thousand
496 568 -
five hundred thousand