The process you're describing is known as "rounding." Rounding is used to simplify a number by reducing the number of digits but keeping it close to the original value. Depending on the selected place value (such as the nearest whole number, tenth, hundredth, etc.), you either increase or decrease the number to make it more manageable or less precise. For example:
- Rounding 3.76 to the nearest whole number gives you 4.
- Rounding 3.76 to the nearest tenth gives you 3.8.
- Rounding 3.76 to the nearest hundredth would still yield 3.76 because it is already at that level of precision.
The rules for rounding typically involve looking at the digit immediately to the right of the target place value: if that digit is 5 or higher, you round up; if it is 4 or lower, you round down.