An estimate is a rough answer, close enough to be useful and quick enough to do in your head. Estimating before you calculate is how you catch a misplaced decimal in the exact answer.
Math Dictionary / Estimate
Estimate
To estimate is to find an answer that is close enough, usually by rounding or using friendly numbers.
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What it means
Estimation helps you check whether an exact answer is reasonable.
Also called: approximate
Examples
| 49 x 21 is about 50 x 20 = 1000 |
| 19.8 rounds to 20 |
| $3.95 is about $4 |
Common mistake
An estimate is not usually the exact answer; it is a useful close answer.
Try one
Question: Estimate 398 + 204 by rounding to the nearest hundred.
Show answer
400 + 200 = 600.