What term describes the process of replacing the final digits of a number with zeros?

The term that best describes the process of replacing the final digits of a number with zeros is rounding. Rounding involves adjusting a number to a specified level of precision, often simplifying calculations and making it easier to work with. For instance, in rounding the number 17.86 to the nearest whole number, you would replace the decimal part with zero, resulting in 18.

In contrast, estimating and guesstimating are general methods for approximating quantities without precise calculations. Squaring involves multiplying a number by itself, which does not relate to the process of modifying the digits in the manner described. Therefore, rounding is the precise term that defines replacing digits in a number with zeros to achieve a simpler representation.