Question

I wanted someone to tell me if I got these problems correct.

6.5% of what number is 325?

B= 5,000

In the next problem I had to estimate the amount. I did this by changing 48.3% to 48%, then I mulitplied it by 1500.
What is 48.3% of 1,500?
A=720

Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, those answers are correct, but is it really much easier to take 48% of 1500 compared to 48.3?

The real A is 724.5.

Another way to do it "in your head" is to take 50% of 1500 (750) and subtract another 1.7% or 1/60 of 1500 (which is 25), leaving you with 725.

Answer 2

The purpose of estimation is to avoid real calculations and calculations by calculator.

changing 48.3% to 48% and then multiplying defeats the purpose, especially if you used a calculator.

I think they wanted you to think 48.3% is close to 50%, which is 1/2 of something
so 1/2 of 1500 is 750