Question

Francesca is working out the word problem below and wants to use compatible numbers to estimate the answer.

The Statue of Liberty in New York stands on top of a foundation and a pedestal. The statue, including its foundation and pedestal, measures about 305 feet from the ground to the top of the statue’s torch. The statue herself stands 151 feet.

Which equation should she use to find the height of the foundation and pedestal?
150 – 300
300 –150
200 – 150
150 – 200

Answer 1

She should subtract the statue from the total and use compatible numbers: 305 ≈ 300 and 151 ≈ 150, so use 300 − 150. (Estimate = 150; actual = 305 − 151 = 154.)