- Determine the two consecutive multiples of 1,000 that bracket 15,003
- 15,003 is between 15,000 and 16,000
- 15,500 is the midpoint between 15,000 and 16,000
- As illustrated on the number line, 15,003 is less than the midpoint (15,500)
- Therefore, 15,003 rounded to the nearest thousand = 15,000
