Approximation | GCSE Maths | Tutorial & Practice Question

*Updated for 2023 GCSE Maths exams*

In this AQA GCSE maths video, we are looking at approximation. This is where we round a number up or down to the nearest whole number, decimal or fraction. We also look at truncation and estimation. Truncation is when we cut off a number after a certain point, and estimation is when we guess a value for a number. Finally, we look at bounds which are upper and lower limits that a value falls between.

Sometimes it is a good idea to estimate the value of a calculation rather than work it out exactly. In this situation, round the numbers in the question before performing the calculation. Usually, numbers are rounded to one significant figure. The 'approximately equal to' sign, ≈, is used to show that values have been rounded.

Introduction: (0:00)
Rounding: (0:22)
Truncation: (1:24)
Estimation: (2:30)
Bounds: (3:18)
Rounding Exam Question & Answer: (4:30)
Truncation Exam Question & Answer: (5:29)
Estimation Exam Question & Answer: (7:17)
Bounds Exam Question & Answer: (8:05)

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