Estimate with Fractions

Free interactive math game: Estimate with Fractions — Close to 0, ½ or 1. Part of the Fractions category on MathKite.

Example problems

Taken from the generator that powers this exercise. A fresh set appears every time the page is opened, and the printable worksheet holds ten of them.

  1. Estimate 1/8 + 7/8. The best estimate is: 1/8 and 7/8
  2. Estimate 8/9 + 11/12. The best estimate is: 8/9 and 11/12
  3. Estimate 5/6 + 1/5. The best estimate is: 5/6 and 1/5
  4. Estimate 1/5 + 5/11. The best estimate is: 1/5 and 5/11

About this exercise

Estimating a sum of fractions by rounding to 0, a half or 1.

How to solve it

Round each fraction to whichever of the three landmarks it sits nearest, then add the landmarks.

Worked example

Five ninths is close to a half and seven eighths is close to 1, so the sum is roughly one and a half.

Common mistake

Working the sum out exactly and then rounding. Estimation rounds first, which is what makes it fast.