Question

The weights of five grapefruits are 7.47 ounces, 7.23 ounces, 6.46 ounces, 7.48 ounces, and 6.81 ounces. Using the clustering estimation technique, what is the approximate total weight of the grapefruits?
34 ounces
35 ounces
36 ounces
40 ounces

Answer 1

Cluster the weights into two groups: three around 7.4 oz (7.47, 7.23, 7.48 ≈ 7.4 each) and two around 6.6 oz (6.46, 6.81 ≈ 6.6 each).

3 × 7.4 = 22.2
2 × 6.6 = 13.2
Total ≈ 22.2 + 13.2 = 35.4 ≈ 35 ounces

Answer: 35 ounces.