Estimating a Sum

We will learn the basic knowledge for estimating a sum. Here we will learn an easy way to estimate a sum of two numbers by rounding.

In case of two digit numbers we can only round the number to the nearest tens place i.e. only one place estimate.

For example, let us estimate the following sums:

(i) 47 + 32

We need to round the number to the nearest 10.

47 → 50

32 → 30

50 + 30 = 80

(ii) 25 + 34

We need to round the number to the nearest 10.

25 → 30

34 → 30

30 + 30 = 60

(iii) 75 + 13
We need to round the number to the nearest 10.

75 → 80

13 → 10

80 + 10 = 90

1. Estimate the sums of 72 and 48

Solution:

We round the number to the nearest 10.

72 → 70

48 → 50

So, 72 is nearest to 70 and 48 is nearest to 50

70 + 50 = 120

Thus the estimated sum = 120

2. Estimate the sums to the nearest ten and also find the actual sum of 87 and 79.

Solution:

We round the number to the nearest 10.

87 → 90

79 → 80

So, 87 is nearest to 90 and 79 is nearest to 80

90 + 80 = 170

Thus the estimated sum = 170

The actual sum of 87 and 79

87 + 79 = 166

Thus the actual sum = 166

Note: To estimate to the nearest 10, we see the digit/number at one’s place. It is converted to 0 or 10 as proper. If the digit/number is < 10/2, it is converted to zero and if it is > 10/2, it is converted to10.

In case of three digit numbers we can only round the number to the nearest tens place i.e. only one place estimate.

For example, let us estimate the following sums:

1. Estimate the sums of 586 and 120

Solution:

We round the number to the nearest hundred.

586 → 600

120 → 100

So, 586 is nearest to hundred is 600 and 120 is nearest to hundred 100

600 + 100 = 700

Thus the estimated sum to nearest hundred = 700

We round the number to the nearest tens.

586 → 590

120 → 120

So, 586 is nearest to ten is 590 and 120 is nearest to hundred 120

590 + 120 = 710

Thus the estimated sum to nearest ten = 710

3rd Grade Math Lessons

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