Grade 3 → Number Sense and Numeration ↓
Estimation
Understanding the concept of assessment
Estimating in math is an important skill that helps us make good guesses or approximate calculations without needing exact answers. In Grade 3, students begin learning to use estimation to solve problems in everyday situations. Estimating is like a magical tool that gives us a quick answer that is pretty close to the actual answer.
So why do we use estimation? Imagine you are at the supermarket, and you want to know if you have enough money to buy five apples, each of which costs about $0.85. Instead of calculating it all out on paper or with a calculator, you can quickly estimate the total cost using estimation. This way, you can make decisions quickly and efficiently.
Basic techniques of assessment
Rounding off numbers
One of the most common techniques for estimating is rounding numbers. Rounding numbers to make them simpler helps make calculations easier. For example, if we have the number 73 and we want to estimate, we can round it to the nearest ten, which would be 70. When using rounding in estimating, the general rule is:
If the score is 5 or more then round it up. If the score is less than 5, round it down.
Let’s look at some examples!
Rounding off examples:
- 13 is rounded off to 10 because the digit 3 is smaller than 5.
- 58 is rounded off to 60 because the digit 8 is greater than 5.
- 81 is rounded to 80 because the digit 1 is smaller than 5.
Estimating the amount
When adding numbers, estimating can help us figure out what the total will be. To estimate the sum, we can first round the numbers and then add them.
Approximate sum of 47 + 76:
Step 1: Round each number to the nearest ten.
- From 47 to 50
- 76 to 80 rounds
Step 2: Add the rounded numbers.
50 + 80 = 130
So the approximate sum of 47 + 76 is 130.
Estimating the difference
Just like addition, we can estimate the difference when subtracting numbers. The process is the same; we first round off each number, then subtract.
Estimating the difference of 91 - 34:
Step 1: Round each number to the nearest ten.
- From 91 to 90
- 30 out of 34 rounds
Step 2: Subtract the rounded numbers.
90 - 30 = 60
Therefore, the approximate difference of 91 - 34 is 60.
Benefits of assessment
Estimating isn't just a mathematical skill; it's a valuable life skill. Here are some of its benefits:
- Speed: Allows for quick calculations when time is limited.
- Comprehension: Improves understanding of number size and place value.
- Confidence: Making math more accessible builds confidence.
- Problem solving: Develops skills in decision making and problem solving by providing predictable outcomes to guide choices.
Everyday examples of inference
Shopping
When shopping, you can use estimation to figure out how much you're spending. Instead of remembering exact prices, round them up and add them up as you shop to see how close you are to your budget.
If you buy:
- One book costs $14.99, up to $15
- One toy for $7.49, about $7
- A bottle of water for $1.29, about $1
Estimated Total Cost: $15 + $7 + $1 = $23
Cooking
Estimating is also useful in the kitchen. If you're making a recipe that calls for 2.5 cups of flour, you can estimate that it will be about 2 or 3 cups, depending on which type of flour you like best. This skill is especially useful when you don't have measuring tools!
Of travel
When traveling, perhaps by car, you can estimate how long it will take to reach your destination. If you are traveling 50 miles and driving about 50 miles per hour, you can estimate that it will take you about an hour to get there.
Travel time estimates for a trip at about 60 mph:
- Distance: 180 miles
Estimated time: 180 ÷ 60 ≈ 3
hours
Practice exercises
Here are some exercises for you to learn the art of estimation:
Exercise 1: Rounding
Round off the following numbers to the nearest ten:
- 27
- 43
- 86
- 91
Exercise 2: Estimating amounts
To find the sum of these numbers, round each to the nearest ten and then add:
- 36 + 48
- 67 + 24
Exercise 3: Estimating the difference
Estimate the difference for each of these problems by rounding off each number and then reducing it:
- 72 - 29
- 95 - 36
Conclusion
Estimating is a simple but powerful tool that not only aids calculations but also builds confidence in handling numbers. As Grade 3 students understand and practice these skills, they will find math less scary and more practical for daily use. Estimating makes them flexible thinkers ready to tackle real-world math challenges! Encourage them to practice estimating regularly, and soon, they will find it second nature. Enjoy estimating!