The process of approximating a quantity, be it for convenience or, as in the case of numerical computations, of necessity. If rounding is performed on each of a series of numbers in a long computation, roundoff error can become important, especially if division by a small number ever occurs.

See also

Nearest Integer Function, Round Number, Roundoff Error, Shadowing Theorem Explore this topic in the MathWorld classroom

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References

Mulliss, C. "Significant Figures and Rounding Rules." http://www.angelfire.com/oh/cmulliss/.Numberphile. "Zequals and Estimation." Feb. 14, 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOJOfh2_4PE.Wilkinson, J. H. Rounding Errors in Algebraic Processes. New York: Dover, 1994.

Referenced on Wolfram|Alpha

Rounding

Cite this as:

Weisstein, Eric W. "Rounding." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Resource. https://mathworld.wolfram.com/Rounding.html

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