Does $2.4\overline{9}$ round to $2$ or $3$?

Question

Does $2.4\overline{9}$ round to $2$ or $3$ when rounded to the nearest whole number? When rounding to one digit, we generally only take the first decimal space, which in this case is $4$. So on that front, it should round to $2$. However, $2.4999$... is in essence $2.5$, which will round to $3$. In this scenario, should the number round to $2$ or $3$? Thanks for your clarifications.

Answer 1

When rounding to one digit, we generally only take the first decimal space, which in this case is $4.$

This applies only when the decimal representation is not a recurring decimal.

$2.4999$... is in essence $2.5$

$2.4999$... is precisely $2.5,$ so rounds to the same number as $2.5.$

Answer 2

2.4999.. is not in essence 2.5. Because there is no number between 2.4999.. and 2.5, they are the same number. Therefore, 2.4999.. rounds to three.