To estimate the total number of notebooks, we'll first estimate the number of notebooks in each type of box.
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Big boxes:
- Each big box contains approximately 190 notebooks.
- Harriet has 15 big boxes.
- Estimated notebooks from big boxes: \[ 15 \text{ boxes} \times 190 \text{ notebooks/box} = 2850 \text{ notebooks} \]
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Small boxes:
- Each small box contains approximately 80 notebooks.
- Harriet has 12 small boxes.
- Estimated notebooks from small boxes: \[ 12 \text{ boxes} \times 80 \text{ notebooks/box} = 960 \text{ notebooks} \]
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Total estimated notebooks:
- Now, we add the estimated notebooks from big and small boxes: \[ 2850 \text{ notebooks} + 960 \text{ notebooks} = 3810 \text{ notebooks} \]
Final Estimate: The estimated total number of notebooks is 3810 notebooks.
Overestimate or Underestimate?
In our estimation:
- We rounded the number of notebooks in each box up (from 189 to 190 and from 79 to 80).
- Since both small boxes and big boxes were rounded up, our estimate of 3810 notebooks is an overestimate.
Why is it better to have an overestimate than an underestimate?
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Planning and Preparation:
- An overestimate can help in better planning for resources, storage space, or budgeting. If you assume you have more notebooks than you actually do, you will be prepared for higher demand or larger requirements.
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Risk Management:
- Underestimating can lead to a shortage, which can cause disruptions in operations, unmet needs, or inadequate supplies. An overestimate avoids these risks.
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Flexibility:
- Overestimation provides more flexibility in the future. If the actual count shows fewer notebooks, it may not be as critical compared to being caught short due to an underestimate.
Overall, while accuracy is important, a conservative approach (using an overestimate) can help mitigate risks and better meet demands.