Math Problem Statement

A number p, when rounded to 2 decimal places, is equal to 0.02. Find the upper and lower bound of p.

Solution

To solve the problem of finding the upper and lower bounds for the number pp, when rounded to 2 decimal places and equal to 0.02:

  1. Understand the range of rounding:

    • When a number pp is rounded to 2 decimal places, it is rounded to the nearest hundredth. The lower and upper bounds are determined by considering the interval within which any number rounds to 0.020.02.
    • The lower bound is the smallest number that rounds up to 0.020.02, and the upper bound is the largest number that still rounds down to 0.020.02.
  2. Lower bound calculation:

    • The smallest number that rounds to 0.020.02 is 0.0150.015. This is because 0.0150.015 rounds up to 0.020.02, but anything smaller (like 0.01490.0149) rounds to 0.010.01.
  3. Upper bound calculation:

    • The largest number that rounds to 0.020.02 is 0.0249990.024999\ldots (effectively 0.0250.025 when truncated), since 0.0250.025 would round up to 0.030.03.

Final Answer:

  • Lower bound: 0.0150.015
  • Upper bound: 0.0250.025

Let me know if you'd like further explanation or help! Here are some questions for deeper understanding:

  1. Why is the lower bound 0.0150.015 instead of 0.020.02?
  2. How does rounding affect the precision of numbers in real-world scenarios?
  3. Can you think of another example where upper and lower bounds would be useful?
  4. What changes if we round pp to 1 decimal place instead?
  5. How would these bounds change if the rounding rule was "round down only"?

Tip: Always think of bounds as capturing the "range of validity" for rounding.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rounding numbers
Decimals
Bounds (upper and lower)

Formulas

Lower bound = rounded value - 0.005
Upper bound = rounded value + 0.004999...

Theorems

Rounding rules for decimals

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8