My Hardest Math Concept Estimating Sums and Differences of Whole Numbers

Sample Problem Let’s say I am doing my math. This is the question that pops up: The Empire State Building was completed in 1931. From ground to tip, it measures 1,250 feet. At the top of the building is a lightning rod which measures 204 feet. Estimate the total height of the structure. This writing is copy write from the original text book.

Step 1: First of all, you don’t need the fact about how the Empire State Building was completed in 1931. So, we’ve taken out the unimportant facts. Now, estimate time. Next, I was rounding my numbers. 1,250, I thought it didn’t have to be played with. I just thought to keep it at 1,250. And, with the 204 feet long lightning rod on top, I thought round it to 200.

That’s Where I Went Wrong Instead, nothing can be rounded to 50 unless your rounding with tens. I was rounding with hundreds. The answer for the first estimation is either 1,200 or 1,000. I say 1,000 is more acceptable. Rounding 204 to 200 was correct. The original answer I got was 1,250 + 200 = 1,450. But, it truly is 1,000 + 200 = 1,200.

That’s All! Thanks for watching!!! By: Kate B.