Estimating Totals From Tables
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ISEE Lower Level: Mathematics Achievement › Estimating Totals From Tables
At a farmer's market, Maria's mother buys 4 pounds of apples at $2.49 per pound, 2 pounds of tomatoes at $3.99 per pound, and a carton of eggs for $3.55. Which of the following is the most reasonable estimate of her total bill?
about $17
about $21.50
about $10.00
about $24.50
Explanation
To estimate, round the prices to numbers that are easy to work with. Round $2.49 to $2.50, $3.99 to $4.00, and $3.55 to $3.50. The estimated cost is (4 × $2.50) + (2 × $4.00) + $3.50 = $10.00 + $8.00 + $3.50 = $21.50. The exact cost is $21.49.
Sam is at a bakery. He buys 2 loaves of bread for $4.45 each, 6 large cookies for $1.29 each, and a slice of cake for $5.85. What is the most reasonable estimate for his total purchase?
between $11 and $13
between $25 and $27
between $22 and $24
between $19 and $21
Explanation
To estimate the total, round the prices. Round $4.45 to $4.50, $1.29 to $1.25, and $5.85 to $6.00. The estimated cost is (2 × $4.50) + (6 × $1.25) + $6.00 = $9.00 + $7.50 + $6.00 = $22.50. This falls between $22 and $24. The exact cost is $22.49.
At a pet store, a family buys a bag of dog food for $24.89, 3 chew toys for $4.15 each, and a dog leash for $11.97. Which of the following is the best estimate for the total cost before tax?
about $52
about $42
about $40
about $49
Explanation
Estimate by rounding each price to the nearest dollar. Round $24.89 to $25, $4.15 to $4, and $11.97 to $12. The estimated total is $25 + (3 × $4) + $12 = $25 + $12 + $12 = $49. The exact cost is $49.31.
Chloe is buying new clothes. She picks out a t-shirt for $15.97, a pair of shorts for $21.19, and a pack of 3 hair ties for $4.89. Which range contains the best estimate of her total bill?
between $42 and $45
between $39 and $42
between $45 and $48
between $36 and $39
Explanation
To estimate, round each price to the nearest dollar. Round $15.97 to $16, $21.19 to $21, and $4.89 to $5. The estimated total cost is $16 + $21 + $5 = $42. This amount is between $42 and $45. The exact cost is $42.05.
A family orders from a pizzeria. They get a large pizza for $19.79, an order of breadsticks for $6.29, and 4 sodas for $2.49 each. What is the most reasonable estimate for the total cost of their meal?
about $36
about $42
about $28
about $32
Explanation
Estimate by rounding each price. Round $19.79 to $20, $6.29 to $6, and $2.49 to $2.50. The estimated total is $20 + $6 + (4 × $2.50) = $26 + $10 = $36. The exact cost is $36.04.
At a car wash, the price for a basic wash is $12.99. The manager offers an interior cleaning for an additional $8.95 and a tire shine for an extra $4.25. If a customer gets all three services for a van and a car, which is the best estimate for the total cost?
about $52
about $60
about $26
about $40
Explanation
First, estimate the cost for one vehicle. Round $12.99 to $13, $8.95 to $9, and $4.25 to $4. The cost for one vehicle is about $13 + $9 + $4 = $26. Since the customer gets services for two vehicles (van and car), the total estimated cost is 2 × $26 = $52. The exact cost is $52.38.
At a school store, Leo buys 3 notebooks that cost $2.95 each, 5 pens that cost $1.49 each, and 2 large erasers that cost $0.79 each. Which is the best estimate for the total cost of Leo's items, not including tax?
between $17 and $19
between $19 and $21
between $13 and $15
between $15 and $17
Explanation
To estimate the total cost, round the prices to easier numbers. Round $2.95 to $3.00, $1.49 to $1.50, and $0.79 to $0.80. The estimated cost is (3 × $3.00) + (5 × $1.50) + (2 × $0.80) = $9.00 + $7.50 + $1.60 = $18.10. This amount is between $17 and $19. The exact cost is $17.88.
A family goes to the movies. They buy 2 large popcorns for $8.95 each, 4 small sodas for $4.75 each, and 1 box of candy for $3.25. What is the best estimate for the total amount the family spent on snacks?
between $40 and $42
between $43 and $45
between $37 and $39
between $34 and $36
Explanation
To find the best estimate, round the prices. Round $8.95 to $9.00, $4.75 to $5.00, and $3.25 to $3.00. The estimated cost is (2 × $9.00) + (4 × $5.00) + $3.00 = $18.00 + $20.00 + $3.00 = $41.00. This amount is between $40 and $42. The exact cost is $40.15.
For a classroom party, a teacher buys 12 balloons at $0.78 each, 3 packages of paper plates at $4.19 per package, and 2 large bottles of juice at $3.89 each. Which is the best estimate of the total cost?
about $25
about $30
about $35
about $21
Explanation
Estimate by rounding each price. Round $0.78 to $0.80, $4.19 to $4.00, and $3.89 to $4.00. The estimated total is (12 × $0.80) + (3 × $4.00) + (2 × $4.00) = $9.60 + $12.00 + $8.00 = $29.60. This is closest to $30. The exact cost is $29.71.
At a craft store, Anya purchases 4 bottles of paint for $2.29 each, 1 large canvas for $7.95, and a set of 3 paintbrushes for $1.89 per brush. Which range contains the best estimate of her total cost?
between $24 and $26
between $20 and $22
between $22 and $24
between $18 and $20
Explanation
To estimate, round the prices. Round $2.29 to $2.25, $7.95 to $8.00, and $1.89 to $2.00. The estimated cost is (4 × $2.25) + $8.00 + (3 × $2.00) = $9.00 + $8.00 + $6.00 = $23.00. This amount falls between $22 and $24. The exact cost is $22.78.