Speed calculation · lesson 14 of 25 · free

Estimation sprint — Speed Calculation

Often you only need to know roughly how big an answer is — to check a bill or pick an option in a test. Round each number to the nearest ten (or hundred), multiply the easy numbers, and choose the option closest to that.

The fast method

Round and multiply — “round each number to an easy one and multiply those”

  1. Round each number to the nearest 10 (a 3-digit number to the nearest 100).
  2. Multiply the round numbers: count the zeros carefully.
  3. Pick the option closest to your estimate.

Use it for: Checking that a calculator answer makes sense, shopping, and multiple-choice questions.

Worked example: Best estimate of 61 × 29? → 1800

  1. 61 ≈ 60 and 29 ≈ 30.
  2. 60 × 30 = 1800.
  3. The closest option is 1800.

Check: 61 × 29 = 1769, and 1800 is the closest option ✓

✏️ Practice

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

Right: 0 · Tried: 0

🏁 Lesson 14 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass — and beat the clock: finish within 2 min 30 s.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the 🦅 Estimate Eagle badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 5 lessons of Part 3 · Speed dividing, percentages and checking. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ Estimation Worksheet

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