Topic summary · IGCSE handout
Rounding summary
Rounding and estimation control accuracy. Significant figures and decimal places are not the same — read the question.
Files: 13_rounding_handout.pdf · 13_rounding_handout_answers.pdf · free public downloads · diagrams in the PDFs
Key learning points
- Decimal places: count digits after the point.
- Significant figures: count from the first non-zero digit.
- Estimation: round to 1 s.f. then calculate.
Worked example 1 — Decimal places
Round to 1 decimal place.
Working
Look at the second decimal digit (4).
Worked example 2 — Significant figures
Round to 2 significant figures.
Working
Count from the first non-zero digit.
Worked example 3 — Estimation
Estimate by rounding to 1 s.f.
Working
1 s.f. estimation checks calculator answers.
Scaffolded Learning Sheet and answers (PDFs)
This page is a short, searchable overview for revision and search engines. Use the Scaffolded Learning Sheet first, then the Answers PDF for a full written solution. The printable PDFs remain the main classroom resource.
