To determine if Andrea's sum is reasonable, you can follow these steps:
-
Understand the Problem: Clearly identify what the sum represents. This involves comprehending the numbers being added and the context around them.
-
Estimation: Round the numbers involved in the sum to make them easier to work with. This step helps to simplify the calculations and provides a quick way to gauge the magnitude of the result.
-
Calculate the Estimated Sum: Add the rounded numbers together to get an estimated sum. This provides a benchmark for checking the reasonableness of the original sum.
-
Compare Values: Look at Andrea's actual sum. See how close it is to the estimated sum. If her actual sum falls within a reasonable range of the estimated sum, it can be considered reasonable.
-
Check for Errors: If there is a significant discrepancy between Andrea's sum and the estimated sum, revisit the calculations to identify any potential mistakes or misinterpretations.
-
Assess Contextual Factors: Consider the context in which the numbers are being used. For example, if the values represent quantities or measurements, think about whether the results make logical sense, based on what you know about the situation.
-
Final Verification: Optionally, re-evaluate the calculations with the original numbers to double-check Andrea's method and ensure that the final sum is indeed accurate.
By following these steps, you can assess whether Andrea's sum is reasonable or if further investigation is needed.