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How to Estimate Sums & Differences With Decimals

An estimate is a guess that is based on supplied information. Estimates are very helpful when you need to determine the sum or difference of numbers and you don't have a calculator. Numbers that have decimals indicate fractional amounts of whole numbers. You see decimals in everyday life, such as in monetary values. If you are shopping, you may want to estimate when adding or subtracting numbers that contain decimals.

Instructions

    • 1

      Round numbers with the decimals up to the next whole number if the number after the decimal is 5 through 9. For example, if you have 3.6, you would round the figure to 4.

    • 2

      Round numbers with decimals down to the nearest whole number if the digit after the decimal is less than 5. For example, you would round 7.2 to 7.

    • 3

      Add the rounded figures to estimate the sum. For instance, consider the sum of the following numbers: 6.8, 3.1 and 8.7. You would round 6.8 to 7, 3.1 to 3 and 8.7 to 9. Then you would add 7, 3 and 9 to get an estimated sum of 19.

    • 4

      Subtract one rounded figure from another to find an estimated difference. For example, consider subtracting 10.23 from 20.57. You would first round 10.23 to 10 and 20.57 to 21. Then you would subtract 10 from 21 to get an estimated difference of 11.

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