Approximation Flashcards
What is an Approximation?
It is anything that is similar but not identical to something else.
How do you round a number to the nearest 10, 100 or 1,000?
You look at the digit in the corresponding column. You then look at the next digit. If it is less than five, you get rid of it and all the digits after it. If it’s more than four, you do the same, you increase the original digit by 1.
How do you round a number to a decimal place?
By using the same technique as the one for whole numbers.
How do you round to a significant figure?
Look at first non zero digit for 1 significant figure, second for 2 etc. Then look at the next digit and round as usual.
How do you truncate a number?
You round it, but you ignore the five rule, leading to a rougher approximation.
How do you estimate a calculation?
You round the numbers going into the calculation to get a rough answer.
What are lower and upper bounds?
The lowest and highest numbers that could have been rounded to make the original number.
What the rules for bounds going into calculations?
U + U = U L + L = L U - L = U L - U = L U x U = U L x L = L U / L = U L / U = L
