How would you best estimate the cost of 398 pencils, each priced at $1.03?

How would you best estimate the cost of 398 pencils, each priced at $1.03?

• A. 1 x 350
• B. 1 x 380
• C. 1 x 400
• D. 1 x 450

Answer: (C)

To estimate the total cost of 398 pencils priced at $1.03 each, it is helpful to round the number of pencils to a number that makes mental calculations easier. When considering the options given, rounding 398 to the nearest convenient number is key. Rounding 398 to 400 is sensible because it is close to the actual amount and provides a straightforward figure for calculation. By multiplying 400 by the price of one pencil, which is approximately $1, we can quickly estimate: 400 pencils x $1 = $400 The actual cost will be slightly higher due to the price of $1.03, but this estimation gives a good ballpark figure. This rounding minimizes complications that could arise from using lower or less relevant figures. The other options do not align as well with the number of pencils. For instance, rounding to 350 or 380 would underestimate the total, while 450 is too high, leading to a less accurate estimate. Thus, rounding to 400 provides the most reasonable approximation for estimating the total cost of 398 pencils at $1.03 each.

To estimate the total cost of 398 pencils priced at $1.03 each, it is helpful to round the number of pencils to a number that makes mental calculations easier. When considering the options given, rounding 398 to the nearest convenient number is key.

Rounding 398 to 400 is sensible because it is close to the actual amount and provides a straightforward figure for calculation. By multiplying 400 by the price of one pencil, which is approximately $1, we can quickly estimate:

400 pencils x $1 = $400

The actual cost will be slightly higher due to the price of $1.03, but this estimation gives a good ballpark figure. This rounding minimizes complications that could arise from using lower or less relevant figures.

The other options do not align as well with the number of pencils. For instance, rounding to 350 or 380 would underestimate the total, while 450 is too high, leading to a less accurate estimate. Thus, rounding to 400 provides the most reasonable approximation for estimating the total cost of 398 pencils at $1.03 each.