Before diving into the full working of a problem, take a few seconds to estimate the answer first. It doesn’t have to be perfect — just a rough idea using rounded numbers or mental maths. This simple step can make a huge difference, especially in multi-step problems or questions involving large numbers, decimals, or measurements.
Why is estimating helpful? Because it gives you a ballpark figure. Once you finish the full calculation, you can compare your final answer to your estimate. If they’re wildly different, it’s a sign something might have gone wrong — like a misplaced decimal point or a miskeyed number on your calculator.
For example, if you’re working out 498 × 21, you might estimate it as 500 × 20 = 10,000. If your final answer ends up being 1,000 or 100,000, you’ll know straight away that something’s not right.
Estimation also helps build number sense, which is your natural understanding of how numbers behave. This skill makes maths feel less robotic and more intuitive. Over time, you’ll get faster at spotting errors and making quick mental checks.
So next time you’re faced with a problem, pause for just a few seconds and think: What do I expect the answer to be, roughly? That little habit can save you big marks — and big headaches.
#MrDTeaches #MathsTip #EstimateFirst #CheckYourWork
