Estimation/Approximation Worksheet

Name___________________________________

It is not always necessary or possible to give exact figures or measurements, often approximations are more useful, especially when estimating answers to calculations. For example: If asked how long you spent doing homework last night, you would be likely to give an approximated time (probably rounded to the nearest 10 minutes), say 1 hour 20 minutes. You be unlikely to give an answer such as: 1 hour 23 minutes 15 seconds. Do these calculations and write your answers to: a) the nearest penny b) the nearest dollar c) the nearest ten dollars 1. $100 / 6 a) b) c) a) b) c) 2. $1560 / 7 3. $750 / 11 a) b) c) 4. $17150 / 3 a) b) c)

Approximate these measurements to the nearest: a) whole unit b) tenth of a unit 5. 50.66 kilograms a) b) 6. 14.73 meters a) b) 7. 133.17 miles a) b)

8. 19.53 quarts a) b)

9. 1234.49 inches a) b)

By rounding each number in the calculation to the nearest whole unit, work out a sensible estimated answer to these calculations without using a calculator. 10. 1.32 x 14.75 11. 17.59 / 5.85 12. 24.6 x 9.78

13. (7.92 x 2.69) / 5.63

14. (129.81 10.23) x 1.86

15. Now, use a calculator to find out the exact answers for numbers 10-14 above. 10. __________ 11. __________ 12.__________ 13. ___________ 14. _________ 16. Round each of your exact answers to the nearest whole unit and find the difference between your estimated answer and your rounded exact answer. EXACT: 10. __________ 11. __________ 12.__________ 13. ___________ 14. _________ ROUNDED EXACT: 10. __________ 11. __________ 12.__________ 13. ___________ 14. _________ DIFFERENCE: 10. __________ 11. __________ 12.__________ 13. ___________ 14. _________