Mathematics Form 1: Approximations Notes (Full Guide)
Basic Mathematics Notes for Form One Based in New Syllabus – Topic 3: Approximations.
CHAPTER 3. APPROXIMATIONS
Sub Chapters
- Meaning of approximations
- Rounding off numbers
- Significant figures
- Ratios
- Approximations in calculations
Meaning of approximations
✓ Approximation is a process of finding a number that is closest to the exact value.
✓ It involves expressing a number into a higher or lower value which is close to the exact value.
✓ Approximation can be termed as estimation and is represented by the symbol ̔ ≈̕.
Rounding off numbers
✓ Rounding off numbers is a process of making a number simpler, but keeping its value closer to the original value.
✓ The outcome is less precise but more user-friendly.
✓ Rounding off the number can be done by considering place values, number of decimal places, and number of significant figures.
Rounding off numbers by place values
✓ Rounding off numbers by place values is done by considering the given place value for both whole and decimal parts of a number.
✓ Thus, for whole numbers, it can be done to the nearest ones, tens, hundreds, thousands or any other place value.
✓ For decimal numbers, it can be done to the nearest tenths, hundredths, thousandths and so on.