Did you know that π (pi) isn’t just 3.14? 

It’s actually A LOT longer. 

To its 18th decimal place value, pi equals 3.141592653589793238. But who wants to memorize all that? So we round it off and teach it to students as simply π = 3.14. 

I don’t know about you, but that nice round number is much easier to remember and apply. 😉

In this puzzle pairs matching game, students will practise rounding decimals to the nearest place value by:

• Ones
• Tenths
• Hundredths
• Thousandths

Have Fun While You Practice Rounding Decimal Places! 

This resource is best used as a maths center activity—independently or in partners—to practise rounding numbers from ones to the thousandths place value. 

Shuffle the puzzle pieces and students take turns matching the unrounded number on one puzzle piece with the one that has the original number rounded correctly. When they have found a match, they keep both of their puzzle pieces. 

Take This Rounding Decimals Game Even Further

Can you get more rounding decimals activities out of 1 game? You bet! Turn this decimal puzzle into games and lessons that get your whole class involved. 

Group Lesson 

Using your smartboard or another projection device, present the unrounded decimal cards so that your students and work through each together as a class. Have the students practise writing both the unrounded and equivalent rounded decimal numbers on a blank sheet of paper. 

Scavenger Hunt

Using only the unrounded cards, hide all 17 decimals around the room when your students are not around. Then, tell them to take out a blank sheet of paper and set them loose! As soon as they find a card, they write the original decimal number and its rounded equivalent on their recording sheet and leave the card in the same spot they found it while they set off to find the others. 

(NOTE: You may want to make a rule of only 1 student at a card at one time. If not, things could get a little crazy! 🤪 ) If you need more cards for all students to be at one at a time, print a second set. Having them answer twice makes sure the practise really sinks in.

Mirror Game

This activity is a spin on the classic ‘Newlywed Game’ and works best with small groups because you’ll need enough dry erase boards and markers for each student. Divide the students into 2 groups, and have them sit down in 2 lines facing each other. Show students an unrounded decimal card and give them 10 seconds to write the number rounded to the specified place value on their board. On your cue (for example, you say ‘Ready, Set, Go!’) the students turn their boards around so their partner can see their answer. If both students in a pair have the correct answer, they get 2 points. If one has the correct answer, the team gets 1 point.

Change the Difficulty Level if Needed

Got fast finishers? Challenge students to put the puzzle pieces in order from least to greatest.

For students who need a little more practise, break the game up by place value so that students are specifically focusing on matching one decimal place at a time, increasing with difficulty as they are comfortable. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print the task cards on thick card for added durability and longevity. 

After printing, cut out the cards and place them in a folder or large envelope for your maths center.  

Before You Download

Use the drop-down icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. 

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This resource was created by Anna Rudolph, a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

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Explore more decimal activities with your students through a few of our favorite mathematics teaching resources: 

[resource:4823829]   [resource:4894136]   [resource:4876186]