Rounding when the last digit is 5

[Lily Kiamanesh 2G]

Hi! In part 1C of the appendix on page A5, it states that "for numbers ending in 5, always round to the nearest even number. For example, 2.35 rounds to 2.4 and 2.65 rounds to 2.6," a rule that I had never before heard of. Is this how we are expected to round in this course? Thank you.

[Crystal Yu 1D]

I would assume that Professor Lavelle wouldn't be too strict about this rule since he hasn't mentioned it. I would still recommend asking him during office hours though, or see if he replies here! Personally, I've just been rounding up (2.35 to 2.4, 2.65 to 2.7).

[Ria Nawathe 1C]

Yes, I think that's the rule we're expected to follow. On the Chem 14A website, Professor Lavelle posted "Everything you want to know about Sig Fig" under the Course Materials header, and the 2nd page summarizes rules for rounding, which include the nearest even number rule.

https://lavelle.chem.ucla.edu/wp-conten ... OUT_SF.pdf

[Winzel Payumo 1B]

I just heard of this rule last week, so it's a little weird for me to use, but since that rule is on his website, I'd recommend using it for now! Maybe we can ask our TAs or anyone who may know just to be sure.

[Chem_Mod]

Dr. Lavelle mentioned that standard rounding rules apply, so if the last digit ends in 5 or higher you will round up. The rule you mentioned does not apply. Hope this helps.

[David Jen 1J]

For general problems, it is round up. But remember that when dealing with mols in empirical formula problems, we multiply to the nearest whole number.

[nayha a 1E]

I know that a reply above stated that the rule does not apply, but just to confirm, I have been using the basic rounding rules on Sapling and have not had any issues. I had never heard of that rule either!