Estimate sums: word problems
Key notes :
π1. Understanding Estimation
- Estimation: The process of finding an approximate value rather than an exact answer.
- Purpose: Helps in quickly assessing the total amount in real-life scenarios where precise calculations might not be necessary.
π2. Steps for Estimating Sums in Word Problems
- Read the Problem Thoroughly:
- Identify the numbers involved and what is being asked.
- Example: “Emma bought 78 apples and 46 oranges. About how many fruits did she buy in total?”
- Choose an Appropriate Rounding Strategy:
- Round to the Nearest Ten: Round each number to the nearest ten if the numbers are relatively small.
- Round to the Nearest Hundred: For larger numbers, round to the nearest hundred if it simplifies the problem.
- Perform the Estimation:
- Add the rounded numbers to find the estimated sum.
- Example:
- Original Numbers: 78 and 46
- Rounded Numbers: 80 (78) and 50 (46)
- Estimated Sum: 80 + 50 = 130
- Check for Reasonableness:
- Ensure the estimated sum is sensible given the context of the problem.
π3. Example Word Problems
- Example 1:
- Problem: “A school has 124 students in one grade and 138 students in another grade. About how many students are there in total?”
- Solution:
- Round Numbers: 120 (124) and 140 (138)
- Estimated Sum: 120 + 140 = 260
- Example 2:
- Problem: “A store sold 256 toys in the morning and 183 toys in the afternoon. About how many toys did the store sell in total?”
- Solution:
- Round Numbers: 260 (256) and 180 (183)
- Estimated Sum: 260 + 180 = 440
- Example 3:
- Problem: “Liam read 92 pages of his book on Monday and 67 pages on Tuesday. About how many pages did he read in those two days?”
- Solution:
- Round Numbers: 90 (92) and 70 (67)
- Estimated Sum: 90 + 70 = 160
π§¨4. Tips for Estimating Sums in Word Problems
- Focus on Key Numbers: Identify the key numbers and approximate them to simplify the addition.
- Select the Best Rounding Method: Depending on the numbers, rounding to the nearest ten or hundred may be more practical.
- Verify Your Estimate: Ensure that the estimated sum is a reasonable approximation of the actual total.
Learn with an example
βΆοΈ Irma worked for a moving company and had to move 947 kilograms of her customer’s belongings in small boxes and 177 kilograms in large boxes. In total,
how many kilograms did Irma pack in the boxes?
Choose the better estimate.
Add the kilograms.
947 + 177 = ?
Round each number to the nearest hundred.
947 | + | 177 | = ? |
900 | + | 200 | = 1,100 |
1,100 is the better estimate.
βΆοΈ A family and a couple live together in a duplex. Last year, the family used 341 kilowatts of electricity and the couple used 642 kilowatts. In total,
how many kilowatts did they use last year?
Choose the better estimate.
Add the kilowatts.
341 + 642 = ?
Round each number to the nearest hundred.
341 | + | 642 | = ? |
300 | + | 600 | = 900 |
900 is the better estimate.
π₯Jon works for a moving company and had to move 200 kilograms of his customer’s belongings in small boxes and 129 kilograms in large boxes. In total,
how many kilograms did Jon pack in the boxes?
Choose the better estimate.
- 30
- 300
Add the kilograms.
200+129=?
Round the second term to the nearest hundred.
200+129=?
200+100=300
300 is the better estimate.
Let’s practice!