what is 42 to the nearest 100 and why1?

Answer 1

It is 0.

The hundreds, on either side of 42, are:

100*0 = 0

and

100*1 = 100

The distance from 42 to 0 is 42 - 0 = 42

The distance from 42 to 100 is 100 - 42 = 58

So the first of these is the nearest.

Answer 2

Zero because 42 is closer to zero than it is to 100.