Rounding mixed numbers to the nearest whole number

[orangetree]

Hi! I've forgotten how to round mixed numbers . Can anyone help? Here's one of the problems:

Round to the nearest whole number: 12 3/8

Thank you!

 

[Denis]

Well, to start, what is the result of the divisions?

 

[Mrspi]

Re: Rounding Mixed numbers

Round to the nearest whole number: 12/3/8

Do you mean this to be 12 3/8 (twelve and three-eighths)?

If so, it is between 12 and 13. Which of those whole numbers is is closer to?

 

[marshall1432]

I will guess that you mean your number to be 12 3/8 (twelve and three-eighths).

The whole number part is 12, so you'll be rounding down to 12 or up to 13.

Take notice of the fraction, 3/8. We know that 4/8 is the same as 1/2 or "one-half". We also know that any fractional part equal to or greater than 1/2 means that the mixed number gets rounded up to the next whole number. Since 3/8 is less than 4/8 = 1/2, then 12 3/8 cannot be rounded up to the nearest whole number, and must then be rounded down.

Hope that helps.
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Edited by stapel -- Reason for edit: Let's leave out the hostility, folks, and let's help students find the answers, rather than giving them out. Thank you!