This song describes the techniques used to round off answers to addition and subtraction problems as well as multiplication and division problems. All music and lyrics copyright 2007 by Mark Rosengarten. All rights reserved. Lyrics: Scientific method is something really sweet Collecting lots of data can make your life complete Analyzing data means you get to make a graph Before you reach conclusions you might need to do some math! You take the measured numbers, and substitute them in Into a math equation, calculations can begin You check your calculator and you write the answer down But heres the great big question, where the heck to round? When adding or subtracting numbers right there in your face Look for the one thats least precise and round it to that place If you have some measurements to multiply or divide Round to the fewest sig figs counting from the leftward side If you add two numbers up, dont sit there looking tense Lets say ones to the hundredths place, the other to the tenths 3.25 plus 3.3 gives us 6.55 Now its time to round it off, and still get out alive! 3.25s measurement precise to hundredths place But 3.3 is to the tenths, thats less by one space Round your answer to the place that goes the least far out To the tenths, thats 6.6, thats what its all about! When adding or subtracting numbers right there in your face Look for the one thats least precise and round it to that place If you have some measurements to multiply or divide Round to the fewest sig figs counting from the leftward side Now you have two numbers that you need to multiply 3.5 X 9.95, watch your fingers fly Across your calculator, here comes the answer, live! What flashes quick upon the screen? 38.825 3.5 has two sig figs, 9.95 has three So you must round to two sig figs, because its less, you see So you count in two sig figs from the leftwards side Your answer rounds to 39, this roundings quite a ride! When adding or subtracting numbers right there in your face Look for the one thats least precise and round it to that place If you have some measurements to multiply or divide Round to the fewest sig figs counting from the leftward side