Estimate quotients: word problems
key notes :
A compatible number is a nearby number that is easy to divide.
Learn with an example
A shopping mall has ₹4,452 to spend on new tiles for the floor. If each tile costs ₹7, about how many tiles can the mall buy? Choose the better estimate.
a} 600
b} 300
Divide the total amount of money by the cost of each tile.
4,452 ÷ 7 = ?
Use a compatible number to estimate the quotient.
4,452 ÷ 7 = ?
4,200 ÷ 7 = 600
600 tiles is the better estimate.
A school needs to buy 710 pencils for its students. If the pencils come in packages of 9, about how many packages should the school buy? Choose the better estimate.
a} 80
b} 30
Divide the number of pencils by the number in each package.
710 ÷ 9 = ?
Use a compatible number to estimate the quotient.
710 ÷ 9 = ?
720 ÷ 9 = 80
80 packages is the better estimate.
Estimate the product. Round each factor to the nearest ten, then multiply.
61 × 28
The product is approximately ______ .
Round the first factor to the nearest ten.
Round the second factor to the nearest ten.
Now multiply:
60 × 30 = 1,800
The product is approximately 1,800.
Compare your estimate to the exact answer:
61 × 28 = 1,708
Let’s practice!
