Final answer:
To round 34 to the nearest ten, since the ones digit (4) is less than 5, we round down to 30.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rounding a number to the nearest ten is a fundamental mathematical concept that involves assessing the digit in the ones place. In the case of 34, where the ones digit is 4, which is less than 5, the rounding procedure dictates rounding down to the previous ten. This means that 34 is rounded to 30. The rationale behind this lies in the principle that if the ones digit is 5 or greater, rounding up to the next ten occurs, while if it is 4 or less, rounding down to the previous ten is appropriate.
This method simplifies numerical values, providing a more manageable approximation that retains the essential magnitude of the original number. In the context of 34, rounding to the nearest ten results in 30, reflecting a straightforward application of rounding rules in basic mathematics.