Grade Six Mathematics
Answers to last week’s questions
Hello Boys and Girls!
Welcome to this week’s Mathematics Corner. In our previous lesson, we delved into the topic of "Approximation" or the process of "Rounding off whole numbers." In this week's segment, we will extend our exploration of approximation, specifically focusing on rounding mixed fractions to the nearest whole number and organizing them in both ascending and descending order. Let us begin…
Approximation of fractions to the nearest whole number
In our recent lesson, we discovered that an approximation refers to a number that is nearly, though not precisely, identical to another number. One common method of approximation involves rounding. But did you know that we can also approximate mixed fractions to whole numbers? Indeed, we can! Let's delve into how this process works.
Steps in approximating mixed fractions to the nearest whole number
1. Multiply the numerator by 2.
2. If the number obtained is less than the denominator, the whole number remains the same.
Or
If the number obtained is more than the denominator, add 1 to the whole number.
Let us apply these steps to two examples:
Example 1
Approximate 3⅜ to the nearest whole number.
Step 1- Multiply the numerator by 2. (3x2) = 6, which is less than the denominator, 8.
Step 2- If the number obtained is less than the denominator, the whole number remains the same. Hence, 3⅜ =3.
Example 2
Approximate 3 ⁶⁄₈
Step 1- Multiply the numerator by 2. (6x2) = 12, which is more than the denominator, 8.
Step 2- If the number obtained is more than the denominator, add 1 to the whole number.
Hence, 3⁶⁄₈ = 4
Ok students, now that we understand how to round mixed fractions to the nearest whole number, let's put that knowledge into practice by completing the exercise provided below.
Exercise 1
Approximate the following mixed fractions to the nearest whole number.
Sarah is helping to measure the hem of a dress. She measures that the dress needs to be shortened 6 ¹²/₁₆ inches. Given this measurement, does it make sense for Sarah to round down to 6 or up to 7 inches?
Great job, boys and girls!
Now students, as your next activity, you are going to complete the quiz below. Study the problems carefully before attempting to answer the questions.
Exercise 2
a) What is 3,498 rounded to the nearest 1,000? b) What is 256 rounded to the nearest 100? c) What is 47 rounded to the nearest 10?
Round each mixed fraction to the nearest whole number:
d) 3 ⁷/₈ e) 4 ¹²/₂₅ f) 9 ²/₆
That concludes our session for today, boys and girls. Check back next week for the answers to this week’s questions. I wish you a productive week ahead.