Quantitative aptitude · lesson 6 of 30 · free

Approximation and estimation — Quantitative aptitude for kids

In an aptitude test you often only need the option that is closest. Round each number to a friendly one (398 → 400, 51 → 50), work out the easy sum, and pick the nearest answer. Rounding rules: look at the next digit — 5 or more rounds up.

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The method

Round, then calculate — “change awkward numbers to near round ones, then the sum is easy”

  1. Round each number to the nearest ten, hundred or whole number.
  2. Do the easy sum with the rounded numbers.
  3. Pick the option nearest to it. To round a number, look at the digit after the place you keep: 5 or more goes up, less than 5 stays.

Use it for: Checking calculator answers, shopping bills, multiple-choice aptitude questions and data interpretation.

Worked example: Which is closest to 398 × 51? (Round each number first.) → 20000

  1. 398 ≈ 400 and 51 ≈ 50.
  2. 400 × 50 = 20000.

Check: 398 × 51 = 20298, which is very close to 20000 ✓

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✏️ Practice

Work it out in your head or on paper, type the answer and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

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🏁 Lesson 6 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

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🖨️ Approximation and Estimation Worksheet

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