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Estimating Sums and Differences

Jun 28, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers how to estimate sums and differences by rounding numbers to a specified place value before performing addition or subtraction.

Estimating Sums and Differences

  • Estimating involves rounding numbers to a particular place value (hundreds or thousands) and then adding or subtracting.
  • Read instructions carefully to know whether to round to the nearest hundred or thousand.
  • For rounding: If the digit after your place value is 5 or higher, round up; if it's 4 or lower, keep the digit the same.
  • After rounding, perform the addition or subtraction mentally with the simpler, rounded numbers.

Example Problems

  • Example 1: Round 6,287 to the nearest hundred (6,300); round 2,647 to the nearest hundred (2,600); 6,300 + 2,600 = 8,900.
  • Example 2: Round numbers to the nearest thousand, then subtract or add as needed.

Practice Problems (Reviewed)

  • Problem 1: 5,000 + 2,000 = 7,000 (rounding each to the nearest thousand).
  • Problem 2: 12,000 - 9,000 = 3,000 (rounding each to the nearest thousand).
  • Problem 3: 77,000 + 12,000 = 89,000 (rounding each to the nearest thousand).

Upcoming Class Problems

  • Round each number to the nearest hundred:
    • 197 + 653
    • 3,456 + 4,321
    • 8,649 - 5,718

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Estimate — Finding an approximate answer by rounding numbers before calculating.
  • Rounding — Adjusting a number to a specified place value based on the digit that follows.
  • Sum — The result of addition.
  • Difference — The result of subtraction.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Complete the three class problems by rounding each number to the nearest hundred and then adding or subtracting as instructed.
  • Double check whether each problem requires addition or subtraction.
  • Review rounding rules if needed before next class.