Which is the most accurate way to estimate 5% of 61?

1/20 x 60
7/20 x 58
7/20 x 60
1/20 x 58

1 answer

To estimate 5% of 61, you can use the formula:

\[ 5% \text{ of } 61 = \frac{5}{100} \times 61 = \frac{1}{20} \times 61. \]

Now let's evaluate the options given:

  1. \(\frac{1}{20} \times 60\): \[ \frac{1}{20} \times 60 = 3. \]

  2. \(\frac{7}{20} \times 58\): \[ \frac{7}{20} \times 58 = \frac{7 \times 58}{20} = \frac{406}{20} = 20.3. \]

  3. \(\frac{7}{20} \times 60\): \[ \frac{7}{20} \times 60 = \frac{7 \times 60}{20} = \frac{420}{20} = 21. \]

  4. \(\frac{1}{20} \times 58\): \[ \frac{1}{20} \times 58 = 2.9. \]

Now let's find the actual value for \(5% \text{ of } 61\):

\[ 5% \text{ of } 61 = \frac{5}{100} \times 61 = 3.05. \]

The closest approximate value from the options provided, when considering rounding to a reasonable estimate, is \(\frac{1}{20} \times 60 = 3\), which is the most accurate way to estimate 5% of 61.

Therefore, the best answer is: \(\frac{1}{20} \times 60\).