What Is an Estimate in Maths?

In the world of maths, estimation is a skill that can be incredibly helpful when trying to get a sense of a value without diving into the nitty-gritty details. By using an estimate, you can get a ballpark figure that falls within a reasonable range of the actual answer, even if it’s not entirely precise. Estimation is perfect for those times when you need to make quick calculations without getting bogged down in the details. It involves simplifying the problem or numbers to make them easier to work with while still getting a fairly accurate result. There are lots of different methods for estimation, including rounding numbers, using compatible numbers and using benchmark values. With a little practise, your students will be able to estimate like a pro!

Let’s Estimate Numbers With Decimals!

Giving students an opportunity to practise maths skills in a digital format can be engaging for many students! Teach Starter has put together a set of safari-themed interactive slides to help them strengthen their understanding of estimating sums and differences with decimals.

This teacher-created resource includes 7 activities for your students to complete.

• Rounding equations to the nearest whole number and matching with the correct estimated sum or difference
• Looking at an equation and typing in the rounded equation and estimated answer
• Looking at an equation, using benchmark values to estimate and determining the estimated sum or difference
• Sorting equations based on their estimated answer
• Estimating sums and differences matching game
• Maths maze
• Writing word problems

How To Get Your Interactive Estimation Activity

If you are ready to give your students this activity, head over to the green download button! Here, you will find this resource’s PowerPoint or interactive Google Slides version. Please note that if selecting the Google Slides option, you will first be prompted to make a copy of the activity to your personal drive before accessing it.

When guiding your students to complete this activity, please highlight that the activities should be completed in ‘Edit’ mode rather than ‘Presentation’ mode. This will allow students to type responses, drag and drop items and use the paint bucket tool. 

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

More Resources for Your Estimation Unit!

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

teaching resource

Top Secret Scavenger Hunt – Estimating Decimal Sums and Differences

Join the decimal scavenger hunt adventure! Download our printable scavenger hunt and guide your students to sharpen their estimation skills by using decimal benchmark values when finding sums and differences.

teaching resource

Estimating Decimal Sums and Differences — Year 6 Worksheet

Refine year 6 students' rounding skills with an estimating decimal sums and differences worksheet.

teaching resource

Estimating Decimal Sum and Differences — Year 6 Maths Mazes

Year 6 students can practise estimating solutions to decimal addition and subtraction equations with this set of maths mazes.