Round to the Nearest Thousand

Rounding numbers means replacing the given number with an estimated value which is its simpler representation. This rounded number is an approximate value that is easier to use. While rounding numbers, we always consider the place value of digits of the given number. Therefore, when we need to round a number to the nearest ten, to the nearest hundred, or to the nearest thousand, we follow a given set of rules to get the approximate value. Let us learn more about rounding to the nearest thousand in this article.

Rounding numbers to the nearest thousand means we need to write that multiple of 1000 which is closest to the given number. For this, we need to check the digit to the right of the thousands place, that is, the hundreds place. For example, when 3100 is rounded to the nearest thousand, it becomes 3000.

A number line is quite helpful in understanding the process of rounding a number. Observe the following number line and the steps given below to understand the concept of rounding numbers to the nearest thousand.

• Step 1: To round 3100 to the nearest thousand, we consider the multiple of 1000 that is nearest to 3100. Here, it is 3000.
• Step 2: Since 3100 lies between 3000 and 4000, we start the number line from 3000 and end it with 4000. We mark 3500 midway between 3000 and 4000.
• Step 3: Now, if we want to find 3100 on this number line, it would be somewhere near 3000. We can see that 3100 is much closer to 3000 than 4000. Therefore, 3100 will be rounded to 3000.

Rounding up and Rounding Down

It should be noted that 'rounding' is a generic term that involves rounding up and rounding down of numbers. 'Round up' or 'round down' are terms that specify if the number has increased or decreased after rounding. If the rounded number increases, then the given number is said to be rounded up, whereas, if the rounded number decreases, then it is said to be rounded down. For example, when 3547831 is rounded to the nearest thousand, it becomes 3548000, which shows that the number has increased. So, it is said to be rounded up. However, when 9816085 is rounded to the nearest thousand it becomes 9816000 which shows that the number has decreased. So, it is said to be rounded down.

There are some basic rules and steps that need to be followed for rounding numbers to the nearest thousand.

• Mark the number that we need to round. In this case, we will mark the digit in the thousands place. This rounding digit will be the one that will eventually be affected.
• Since we are rounding to the nearest thousand, we need to check the digit to the immediate right of the thousands place, that is the hundreds place.
• If the digit in the hundreds place is less than 5, we do not change the digit in the thousands place. However, all the digits to the right of the thousands place are changed to 0.
• If the digit in the hundreds place is 5 or more than 5, we increase the thousands place by 1, and all the digits to the right of the thousands place are changed to 0.

Let us understand the rules with the help of an example that shows how to round a number to the nearest thousand.

Example: Round the given number to the nearest thousand: 13826

Solution: We will use the given steps to round 13826 to the nearest thousand.

• Step 1: We will mark the number that we need to round. In order to round 13826 to the nearest thousand, we will mark 3, which is in the thousands place.
• Step 2: Since we need to round 13826 to the nearest thousand, we will have to observe the digit in the hundreds place, which lies to the right of the thousands column. Here, the digit in the hundreds place is 8.
• Step 3: According to the rules, if the digit in the hundreds place is 5 or more than 5, we add 1 to the digit in the thousands place and write 0 in all the digits to the right. In this case, the digit in the hundreds place is 8, which is more than 5. Therefore, the given number will be rounded up to 14000. This can be written as 13826 ≈ 14000

Related links

Check out the following links related to rounding to the nearest thousand.

• Rounding Numbers
• Place Value
• Number Line

What does Round to the Nearest Thousand Mean?

Rounding to the nearest thousand means converting the given number to such a number which is an estimated value that is easier to remember and use. This value is a multiple of 1000 which is closest to the given number. For example, if 342984 is rounded to the nearest thousand, it becomes 343000.

What are the Rules for Rounding to the Nearest Thousand?

The rules for rounding numbers to the nearest thousand are as follows:

• In order to round a number to the nearest thousand, we need to check the digit to the immediate right of the thousands place, that is the hundreds place.
• If the digit in the hundreds place is less than 5, we do not change the digit on the thousands place. However, all the digits to the right of the thousands place are changed to 0.
• If the digit in the hundreds place is 5 or more than 5, we increase the thousands place by 1, and all the digits to the right of the thousands place are changed to 0.

Round 653500 to the Nearest Thousand.

In order to round 653500 to the nearest thousand, we need to check the digit in the hundreds place. Here, the digit in the hundreds place is 5, so the given number will be rounded up to 654000.

How to Round to the Nearest Thousand?

A number is rounded to the nearest thousand by checking the digit in the hundreds place. Let us understand the steps of the whole procedure with the help of an example. Let us round 873211 to the nearest thousand.

• Step 1: Mark the number that we need to round. In order to round 873211 to the nearest thousand, we will mark 3, which is in the thousands place.
• Step 2: Since we need to round 873211 to the nearest thousand, we need to observe the digit in the hundreds place, which lies to the right of the thousands column. Here, the digit in the hundreds place is 2.
• Step 3: According to the rules, if the digit in the hundreds place is less than 5, then the digit in the thousands place will remain the same and all the following digits are converted to 0. In this case, the digit in the hundreds place is 2, which is less than 5. Therefore, the given number 873211 will be rounded down to 873000. This can be written as 873211 ≈ 873000.

How to Round to the Nearest Thousand on a Number Line?

Rounding a number to the nearest thousand using a number line is simple to understand. For example, let us round 5800 to the nearest thousand using a number line. For this, we will consider the multiple of 1000 which is nearest to 5800. Since 5800 lies between 5000 and 6000. So, we start a number line from 5000 and end it with 6000. We will mark 5500 midway between 5000 and 6000. Now, if we want to mark 5800 on this number line, it would be somewhere near 6000. We can see that 5800 is much closer to 6000 than 5000. Therefore, 5800 will be rounded to 6000.

Round 4358 to the Nearest Thousand.

In order to round 4358 to the nearest thousand, we will check the digit in the hundreds place. In this case, the digit in the hundreds place is 3. Since 3 is less than 5, therefore, 4358 will be rounded to 4000.