Estimate differences: word problems
Learn with an example
🎯 Kelsey just started working at a French restaurant. Last week, she polished a combined total of 981 small and large glasses. If Kelsey polished 292 small glasses, about how many large glasses did she polish? Choose the better estimate.
Subtract the number of small glasses polished from the total number of glasses.
981 − 292 = ?
Round each number to the nearest hundred.
981 – 292 = ?
1,000 – 300 = 700
700 is the better estimate.
🎯 Last year a total of 864 passengers landed at Somerville’s airport. However, only 589 had on-time arrivals. About how many passengers did not have on-time arrivals at Somerville’s airport last year? Choose the better estimate.
Subtract the number of passengers who had on-time arrivals from the total number of passengers.
864 − 589 = ?
Round each number to the nearest hundred.
864 – 589 = ?
900 – 600 = 300
300 is the better estimate.
🎯 A crayon company recently changed its labels. It currently has 991 crayons in stock, 886 of which have the new label. How many crayons with the old label does the company have in stock? Choose the better estimate.
Subtract the number of crayons with the new label from the total number of crayons.
991 − 886 = ?
Round each number to the nearest hundred.
991 – 886 = ?
1,000 – 900 = 100
100 is the better estimate.
Let’s practice!
